Donald Allen Johnson Sr.

Donald Allen Johnson Sr. Was born November 14th, 1960 in Duluth, MN to Howard and Carol Johnson. He left this world unexpectedly in his sleep, just like he would have wanted, on June 12th, 2023. He lived his life for his family and fiercely loved and supported them in any way he could. He attended Denfeld High School where he met his first love, and mother of his two oldest children, Judy. He adored his name sake Donnie Jr. and his beautiful daughter Cotton Jenny taking them camping, fishing and to the races. Don worked for Danish bakery in West Duluth and loved baking bread and making donuts with his friends there. It was at the Danish bakery where love bloomed once again and he met his final and forever love Elaine. She was truly his match in every way and they were blessed with the birth of their son Ryan who completed the family perfectly.  His love for his kids and the grandchildren who came later were surely his life’s greatest highlight.  Nothing delighted him more than being able to talk to them all daily and to let them know how much he loved them and to be able to spend time with them. He was so proud to be teaching his oldest granddaughter to drive his new car and loved every minute he was able to be their grandpa. 

Don was proud to start driving bus for the Duluth Transit Authority and follow on the path laid by his father and step mother, working there for 25 years. Prouder still he was the day his brother Bruce joined him and they got to drive together as brothers for the DTA. He was a trainer, a Teamsters Union Representative and participated in annual bus rodeos. He was so proud of his family’s contribution and took comfort in his dad’s model buses being on display and appreciated at the DTA headquarters where they will remain.

Don was a big man in so many ways and if you knew him, you knew that and loved him for it. He was a devoted and decorated member of Proctor Moose Lodge 1302 as well as had membership at various other local and state lodges. It was a brotherhood and family he cherished dearly and where his leadership and development of community truly shined. His annual corn roasts, his participation on the ritual team and his sharing of the mission of Mooseheart and Moosehaven were things he held closely to his heart. 

Don lived his life to the fullest and loved nothing more than spending time with his family and his vast array of friends. He was affectionately known as Bubba to many for the second half of his life and was always the life of the party wherever he went. If you saw the garage door open you knew you were welcome to stop on over for a coffee, a chat or if you just needed one of his big bear hugs. He had a smile to share with anyone he met and loved to talk about rock and roll, MN sports, history and to learn more about you.  He was,  for many of us, our biggest cheerleader whose presence will be deeply missed everyday.

Don was preceded in death by his father Howard, his mother Carol, stepmother Carol and his best brother Bruce. He missed them dearly as well as many other family and friends that passed too early. A year and a half ago he lost his heart, his everything, his Elaine. While he had found a way to get back to his life and had amazing and fun things planned for his future, he was heartbroken without her and finally again has her at his side. His memory will be carried on by his children Don (Molly) Johnson Jr., Jennifer (Marshall Diehl) Johnson, Ryan (Stacy) Johnson and his beautiful grandchildren Katelynn, Lucy, Autumn, Krista and Bryson. He is also survived by his sister’s Bonnie (John) Kubiak and Teri Earls as well as his sister in law Brenda (Jim) McKinnon. He had special bonds with his nieces and nephews Becky, Bradley and Melissa. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Proctor Moose Lodge 1302,415 3rd Ave, Proctor, MN 55810 on August 26th, 2023 from 4-7pm, with karaoke and music to follow. Please send any stories, memories or pictures to playitagaindjservice@gmail.com so the family can save and cherish these memories and pass them on to the grandchildren.