Obituary of Donald A. Janson

Donald Janson died in Robbinsdale the morning of September 14th, 2023. He was born to Dagmar (Kangas) and John (Hjalmer) Janson on 2/21/1925 and was raised on the family farm near Strawberry Lake, MN with 13 siblings and cousins. With his older brother fighting in WWII and his father’s health failing, Donald worked the family farm until his younger brothers came of age and took over. He married Geraldine (Carlson) in 1952 and after stops in California and Washington settled back in Minnesota to raise their three children. Don retired from Minnegasco after 34 years and then enjoyed many seasons at their “little shack in the woods” Ponderosa, while still occasionally wintering in Maui.  Into his 90’s Donald could be found maintaining Ponderosa’s woodland trails, cutting sauna wood, or supervising the racoon, pocket gopher, beaver and porcupine populations. Eventually illness and the advancing years ended his days in his happiest place, the woods. He would then say with a grin, “I wish I felt as good as I did when I was 90”.  Age did not slow his story telling, never letting the facts get in the way. Tales of his days as a farmer, Harley rider, Montana ranch hand, logger, hunter, trapper and ditch digger never ended. Stories of the young Janson boy’s errant hunting trips into the nearby Tamarack Game Refuge seemed as much a joy to tell as they were to hear, again and again. 

As difficult as his last days were, he was at the end eagerly greeting in-faith with “Jumalan Terve”.

Now it is time to say goodbye.  Jumalan Rauhaa, Donald.

Survived by: Wife: Gerry Janson; Children: Forrest, Wade (Cathy), Anne Sweet; Grand Children: Jennifer Hartman (Michael) Kate Pelant (Nick), Kari Janson (Joe), Hannah Sweet (Zack), Rachel Janson; Great Grandchildren: Anna, Logan, Emrie, Eisley; Brother: Raymond (Gloria) and many friends, extended family members and brothers and sisters in faith.

Preceded in death: Brothers: Elmer (Emory), Arvid, Leonard, Edwin; Sisters: Elsie Bakken, Edna Touminen, Linda Seppanen, Alma Johson, Luella Linden, Eleanor Junes; Cousins: Kay (Mattson), Delores (Hokkanen), Daughter-in Law; Kathy

Funeral service to be held at Apostolic Lutheran Church, 9401 Bataan Street NE Blaine, MN Saturday, October 7th, 2023, at 12:00.  Visitation one hour prior to service.  Lunch to follow service.

Arrangements assisted by Minnesota Cremation Society.

Donations to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.