Donald Jerome Johnson

Johnson, Donald J. Age 87. of Brooklyn Center, formerly of Bemidji, passed away September 29, 2022. Preceded in death by son William (Bill), mother Gladys, sister Shirley and brother Roger. Survived by loving wife of 59 years Marilyn (nee Halek), daughters Julie (Joe) Hansen, Theresa (Dean) Westerlund; son Jim Johnson: grandchildren Sam, Nate and Zack Westerlund and Joseph and James Hansen; as well as other relatives and many lifelong friends. Don proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a radioman on the U.S.S. Putnam. Upon graduating from Bemidji State University with a degree in education, he taught High School Business at St. Anthony Village where he also coached basketball and Track and Field. Don spent 52 years in a wheelchair but that did not define who he was or how he lived his life. There was nothing he wouldn't do or a challenge he wouldn't accept. A pivotal moment for Don after his accident was becoming a member of the Twin Cities Rolling Gophers basketball team based out of the Courage Center. Don owned and operated Midwest Metal Finishing in Brooklyn Park for 26 years, retiring in 2016. He was honored to work on pieces for projects such as the #10 World Trade Center Building, The Guthrie Theater and The Gopher Stadium. Don loved spending time with his family, especially cheering on his grandsons at many sporting events. He was his grandsons' biggest fan! Don also spent many happy years coaching baseball in the community. He was an avid Minnesota Gopher fan and loved watching sports especially with a friend, or 10, who enjoyed it as much as he did. Another one of Don's favorite things was Bemidji, and he went back every chance he could with his family to share his favorite memories and spend time with relatives and lifelong friends. Above all, Don valued connecting with people and for many years, was a mentor to paralyzed veterans at the Minneapolis VA. He would want us to remember him as a patriot and someone who lived life to the fullest. Memorials preferred. Visitation Sunday, October 16th 2:00-5:00 with the opportunity to share memories from 4:00-5:00 at Washburn McReavy 5125 W. Broadway Crystal, MN 55429. Funeral Mass Monday, October 17th at 11:00 with visitation starting at 10:00. St. Alphonsus Church 7025 Halifax Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55429. Luncheon immediately following in the church hall. The funeral mass will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Burial with Taps and flag presentation at Gethsemane following luncheon Gethsemane Cemetery 8151 42nd Ave. N., New Hope, MN 55429. Washburn-McReavy.com Glen Haven 763-533-8643

Tributes

Donald Jerome Johnson

August 25, 1935 - September 29, 2022

Tributes

Donald Jerome Johnson

August 25, 1935 - September 29, 2022

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