Donald Johnson

Donald Newton Johnson, 78, of Lakewood, CO, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2020 at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood.

Don was born to Carl and Irma Johnson on November 23, 1941 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He attended Valley Springs public school and graduated from high school in 1959. After a year at South Dakota State University, he joined the U.S. Army. From 1960-1963 he served as a radio operator in Nuremberg, Germany, during both the Cuban Missile Crisis and the assassination of President Kennedy.

At a party to welcome Don home from the service, he spotted Emilee Elofson. They had known each other since elementary school but hadn’t seen each other in years. Don asked her out on a date and the rest is history. On a frigid December 18, 1964, Don and Emilee married at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church (near Valley Springs, South Dakota). They had three sons: Darin, Matthew, and Brett. They raised their kids in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Clive, Iowa.

Don briefly worked at a lumber yard and later drove a refrigerated fruit truck. Don’s next career move changed his life path as he took a position as a clerk with the U.S. Postal Service. Working his way into transportation and logistics management took them first to Des Moines, Iowa for 18 years, and then to Denver, Colorado. After 37 years of civil service, Don retired in 2000.

Don got his second chance at life when a failed angioplasty led to emergency quadruple cardiac bypass surgery in April 1999. Don was very grateful for his “new plumbing.” His family annually celebrated his successful surgery date and Don personally thanked his heart surgeon and cardiologist many times over the years. Most importantly, his “bonus years” allowed him to meet and love his three grandchildren. When he was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer, he was quick to acknowledge that he was fortunate to have lived 21 years after his surgery.

Don and Emilee’s community at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church has been their extended family in Colorado. Don found deep meaning in his faith, many friendships, and his stewardship of the columbarium. Don was a calm, caring, and compassionate presence for those who had recently lost loved ones.

Don’s attire frequently showed his love for the Colorado Rockies baseball team. He loved going to games with friends and especially introducing his grandkids to America’s pastime.

Don earned his B.A. in Liberal Studies from Iowa State University, just shy of his 50th birthday. He was a dedicated Democrat who often contacted his representatives. When asked if he was a liberal, Don would say, “Yes, I even have a degree in it!”

Don humbly lived out his value that “We are all in this together” and at times he also shared nuggets of wisdom with strangers. On his final trip to the hospital, he told the paramedics, “I quit smoking 35 years ago and it still got me. Don’t smoke, you guys.” When he got to the hospital he told the nurses “Be sure to vote.”

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Emilee of Lakewood, Colorado; son, Darin and his wife Angie of San Diego, California; son, Matthew of Lakewood, Colorado; son, Brett and his wife Jen of Weaverville, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Ben, Katie, and Clare; brother, Larry Johnson and his wife Ardell of Valley Springs, South Dakota; sister, Marilyn Allen and her late husband Dean of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; and brother, Rick Johnson and his wife Christy of Brandon, South Dakota. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Irma (Nelson) Johnson.

Don’s remains will be interred at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church. Because of the pandemic, plans for a memorial are pending. The family thanks countless members of the congregation and neighborhood who provided support, meals, prayers, and accompaniment during Don’s cancer journey. In honor of Don, consider volunteering for or making a contribution to Family Promise of Greater Denver.

Please share your memories of Donald and condolences with his family by signing the tribute wall.