Donavan Johnson

OBITUARY

Donavan Charles Edmond Johnson was born on August 17, 1932 in Genesee Township, Kandiyohi County, MN. He grew up on a farm near Atwater and was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Donavan graduated from Atwater High School in 1950 and enrolled in the International Farm Youth Exchange program where he went to Guatemala for six months.

During the Korean War Donavan enlisted into the United States Army becoming a Special Ops Radio Operator. After the war, he returned to MN and attained a degree in Industrial Arts from St. Cloud State University.

After a dance in Willmar, MN on January 17, 1959, Donavan met the love of his life, Marilyn Carlson. They dated for a short while and were united in marriage on November 14, 1959 at Salem Covenant Church near Pennock, MN. Four children were born to this union, Cyndy, Jill, Jay and Joel. Donavan and his family lived in Litchfield, and Bismarck, ND for a short time while he worked for John Deere. In 1965, Donavan was offered a job to teach at the Alexandria Technical College. Donavan and his family moved to Alexandria and made their home near the 10th green on the Alexandria Golf Club. After 24 years as an instructor of Part Sales Management, Donavan retired.

During retirement, Donavan drove bus for a few years and was Parts Manager for Unruh Motors. He also owned J's Pro Golf Repair. For many years he re-gripped golf clubs, replaced shafts and made golf clubs. Donavan and Marilyn traveled the United States and around the world to places like Central America, Europe, and even Russia. They enjoyed experiencing different cultures and people everywhere they went. Some of Donavan's hobbies included golfing, fishing, reading, farming, and woodworking. Donavan was involved with many organizations throughout the years, including Church boards, 4-H Leader, IFYE, Golden K's, American Legion, many educational organizations, and his favorite group ROMEO. Which stands for Retired Old Men Eating Out.

Although Donavan was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2003, he never let his illness change his personality. Donavan continued to be a concerned, patient, respectful and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be remembered for his good sense of humor, elaborate scavenger hunts during Christmas and Easter, his love for lemon meringue and sour cream raisin pies, and his playful spirit with his grandchildren.

Donavan C. Johnson died on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Edgewood Vista in Alexandria at the age of 84 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Marilyn Johnson of Alexandria, daughter, Cyndy (Pat) Meyer of St. Michael; sons, Jay (Jennifer) Johnson of New London, PA and Joel (Cindy) Johnson of Greenfield, MN; grandchildren, Cadie Mae Meyer, Stephanie Meyer, Sarah Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Andrew Johnson, and Eric Johnson; brother, Dennis (Jan) Johnson of Bloomington; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Jill Johnson.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 11AM at the Alexandria Covenant Church with the Reverend Rollie Mossberg and Reverend John Marboe officiating. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 6, 2017 from 4-7PM at the Anderson Funeral Home and also for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be in the Salem Covenant Cemetery near Pennock, MN. Casket bearers are Brent Johnson, Wade Johnson, Howard Carlson, Daryl Riley, Danny Riley, and DuWayne Riley. Honorary Casket Bearers are all of Donavan's grandchildren.
Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.
www.andersonfuneral.net