Don Johnson ~ Class of 1978
Arrived ~ 12/31/1959
Departed ~ 3/14/2026
Donald “Don” D. Johnson Obituary
Donald “Don” D. Johnson of Altoona, Iowa went to be with his Lord and Savior March 14, 2026, at the age of 66.
Don was born on December 31, 1959, the son of Paul and Loretta (Husmann) Johnson in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated high school in 1978 at Canadian Academy in Kobe, Japan. Throughout his childhood he lived in Venezuela, Uruguay, Thailand, and Japan. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree at Central College in Pella, Iowa. Don worked as a purchasing agent in the industrial industry until he retired. In May 1992, Don married Elizabeth Desender. He believed in creating a home for his family and sacrificed his career for the people he loved. He was a loving devoted husband, father, and papa.
In his free time, Don enjoyed gardening, golfing, caring for saltwater fish, collecting stamps, creating photo albums for his children and grandchildren, and relaxing while swinging on his back deck. Don loved being retired. He would say “everyday felt like a Saturday.” Above all else, Don loved spending time with his family, cherishing every moment shared with his wife, children and grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy throughout his life.
Left to cherish his memory include his wife, Elizabeth Johnson, mother, Loretta Johnson, sisters, Barb Johnson & Kate Johnson, children, Ashley Dejong, Bradley (Jenna) Johnson, Corey (Corey Beth) Johnson, and four grandchildren, with one on the way.
He is preceded in death by his father, Paul Johnson.
An open visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home, with burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Minburn, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
Lovingly reported by Barbara Johnson.
I am in Costa Rica. My sister-in-law, niece, and great niece are in Thailand. This morning we received a call that my brother, Don Johnson passed away. Please pray for us as we grieve and work throughout shock. He has three children, four grandchildren with a new granddaughter on the way, as well as survived by our mom Loretta Johnson He lived a wonderful and full life and I know he’s with our dad.
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