Donna Johnson

Donna Mae Johnson, 87, a lifelong resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, September 16th, 2024 at Pioneer Care Center in Fergus Falls.

Donna was born February 28, 1937, in Fergus Falls to Arthur and Myrtle Loften . She was baptized and confirmed at First English Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. After graduating from high school in 1955 she worked at various jobs until starting at Ottertail Power Company in 1957 in their duplicating department. 

Donna married David P. Johnson on March 25, 1961 at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Following the birth of the first of their three sons in 1964, Donna resigned from Ottertail Power and became a full time mother, farm wife, and helper on the farm for over 30 years.

Augustana Lutheran Church of Fergus Falls became Donna and David’s church home in 1961. She was an active member ever since serving on various committees, was a member of the Piecemakers quilters, WELCA, choir, and co-chaired the annual St. Lucia celebration numerous times. Donna also served on the Augustana Apartments board for several years where her mother was one of the first residents in the new building.

Donna and David enjoyed many years wintering in Texas as well as traveling throughout the US. Some of Donna’s favorite trips were down “South” (also known as Dakota Magic Casino) with her special friends. As a couple, they also greatly enjoyed their Sunday routine of having breakfast at the Viking Café before going to church.

Donna was a proud mother, and an especially proud grandmother, taking in as many of their school activities and events as possible. She was also one of the most dedicated fans of the Fergus Falls Hurricanes baseball team of which her son Dave Jr. is the coach. In addition to the love she showed her family, Elvis music was a close second.

In 1996, David and Donna moved off their farm in Orwell township and built their home on Jewett Lake where they hosted many 4th of July gatherings with family and friends. Donna also greatly enjoyed tending to her beautiful flower beds over the years.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Arthur and Myrtle, sisters Ethel Ledding and Margaret Soliah, in-laws Arthur and Lillian Johnson, and brother in-laws Gordon Johnson, Harlan Ledding and Larry Wahlstrom, and sister in-law Cynthia Johnson.

Donna is survived by her husband David of 63 years, sons Douglas (Billie) of Jordan, MN, Darren (Kari) of Fergus Falls, and David Jr. of Fergus Falls. Grandchildren Tara (Kenny Steffens), Alyssa, Becca (Preston Braun), and Andrew Johnson, Josh (Kelly) Smunk, Paige Hotchkiss (Angelica Hernandez), Grace Johnson, 2 Great-grandchildren Stanley and Waylon Smunk, sister Marian Fronning, sister in-law Connie Wahlstrom and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls with a visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Amy Kelly

Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com