Obituary of Donald John Watson

Watson, Donald John, age 83, of Lake Shore, passed away on July 14, 2018 in the presence of his family at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Brainerd. He was born in Boyd, MN on November 22, 1934 to William and Helma. He was one of three children; older brother, William, and younger sister, Marjorie. He went on to marry the love of his life, Emelaine Pernell Norbie, on December 21, 1956. During their 61 years of marriage, they had three beautiful children; Kimberly, Daniel and Jonathan. Don owned a service station for 20+ years called Don’s Service Station. His gift for gab was certainly put to use there. After selling the service station, he started bartending at Jax in N.E. Mpls. It wasn’t until close to retirement age that he started to drive tour bus part-time and school bus part-time. Anyone notice a theme with these professions? All required his charming personality, sense of humor and his love to talk to anyone. His favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles and being a jokester. He also had a love for Bible Scriptures. His ultimate love was his Bride of 61 years and his family. You come into this world with family and if you’re lucky -- you leave this world surrounded by your family. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Helma; siblings, William and Marjorie; Father and Mother-in-law; Otto and Ethel; Sister-in-law; Griselda Lorz. He will be deeply missed by his loving bride of 61 years, Emelaine Watson (Norbie); children, Kimberly Pohl (David), Daniel Watson (Marcia), Jonathan Watson (Hillary Lenhart); grandchildren, Kari Omlie (Josh Larsen), Tracy Omlie, Jenna Watson; sister in-laws, Ramona Watson, Gervaise Sjoberg and Audrey Luitjens; numerous extended family members and good friends. A Memorial Service will be held at Living Savior Lutheran Church, 8327 Interlachen Road, Lake Shore on August 4 at 11am. There will be a luncheon served immediately following the service. After the service, please gather at the Watson residence to reminisce.