Obituary of Donald William Johnson

Donald William Johnson, known to family and friends as “Duke,” passed away peacefully Thursday, July 11, 2019 at the age of 86. A native of Duluth, Minnesota, Donald graduated from Duluth Central High School, served in the U.S. Navy and then attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he played football and graduated with a degree in Business. Following college, Donald spent several years sailing for U.S. Steel on the Great Lakes as a Wheelsman. He retired in 1998. Donald enjoyed reading, watching sports, gardening, and was truly an entertainer, with a gift for making people laugh. Donald loved his family and friends, who would all describe him as a big man with a big heart. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Ingolf and Mildred Johnson. He is survived by his only son, Jay Johnson of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, K.C. Don Johnson of Santee, So. Carolina and Colton Jay Johnson of Berryhill, Oklahoma; his sisters, Marian Stenersen of Elk River, Minnesota, Sandra Nervick of Duluth, Minnesota and Carole (Len) Schire of Duluth, Minnesota; ten nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. There will be no service, per Donald’s wishes.