G. Donald Johnson departed from this world into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 20, 2024. He passed away peacefully at his home near Smithville, MO, surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 95.
Don was born to Gust and Freda Johnson on November 22, 1928, at their family farm south of Watford City, ND. He was raised on the farm and attended nearby country grade school for grades 1-8. He graduated from Watford City High School in 1946 and later attended the North Dakota State School of Science at Wahpeton before returning to the farm. Don approached his work with creativity and integrity, earning the respect and admiration of those he worked with. After selling his farm in 1969, Don worked as an electrician in Spearfish, South Dakota, and Cody, Wyoming, where he owned his own electrical and insulation company. He also served as a Wyoming State Electrical Inspector. In retirement, he lived in Riverton, Nebraska, before moving to Cameron and then Smithville, Missouri to be near his beloved granddaughters.
Don excelled at gardening and shared his bounty with countless friends and neighbors. He frequently helped elderly acquaintances or neighbors with repairs of any kind. He was always there for his family when they needed help with a project. He enjoyed auction sales, remodeling projects, camping and traveling. He once took a year off work and built a family home from the ground up, doing everything himself except for the basement. He loved country living and was blessed to remain in his country home until his passing.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Cecelia, Francis, and Gunhild; brother, Herbert; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and in-laws. His most significant loss was his wife Corrine, to whom he was married nearly 72 years and who passed just 4 months prior to Don.
He is survived by daughters, Geralyn Johnson and Linda (Kyle) Murphy, and granddaughters, Skyler and Summer Murphy.
Don’s wish was to have his ashes returned to North Dakota, where a small family service will be held.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
I am so sorry to here of the passing of your mom and dad..They we’re such wonderful people, I have very fond memories of when I was growing up especially getting together with them and our family to make homemade ice cream – and the time your mother had us over to try a “new dish” they called pizza!!! And many other good times, they were like “parents” to us kids as they stayed with us when mom and dad went to a convention for a few days or when they just “babysat” us when they needed to.
I especially remember (I don’t know how old she was) but Becky decided one day she was going to leave home – so mom being mom said well have fun and by the way where are you going and she said “up to Corrine’s” mom answered “maybe she doesn’t want you either “ not blinking an eye then Becky said “well I might as well stay home then”.
I also remember you girls as well, you were fun to be around and had (haveJ a special place in my life and heart.
One other thing I just remembered was I worked part time one summer for your dad, I was in the field ( quite a distance from the house to the east. It was noon and Don had told me Corrine would have dinner and she would wave a towel so I would know when it was time..Anyway she waved to me and I went in for dinner, and didn’t find out til month’s later that when she waved she didn’t have a towel so she took off her blouse to wave and she was so embarrassed..She didn’t know it was me and had thought it was Don! But she finally had a good laugh about it.
I have so many memories like I said and could on for a long time..
Again our deepest condolences. If you are up this way I would enjoy seeing you we live on the home place. Take care and may God bless you.
Kelly
