Donald H. “Don” Johnson 1941 - 2020

DIDDY, JOHNSON, KRUSE

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 12/4/2020 at 23:00:32

Mapleton Press
3 December 2020

Donald H. “Don” Johnson, 79, of Oto, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2020, due to heart failure, at the Burgess Health Center of Onawa.

A drive-by Memorial Visitation was held from 3:30-5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the family farm at 2731 Lenox Avenue off of Highway 31 in Oto. The family requested that you stay in your vehicle as you drive by to pay your respects. Due to COVID-19 guidelines for masks and social distancing, attendees were asked to pause as passing by to sign the guest book and receive a memorial folder from a designated area.

The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.

Donald “Don” Harold Johnson, the son of Harold and Ruby (Diddy) Johnson, was born on Sept. 30, 1941, in Monona County, Iowa. He grew up in the Soldier area and received his education in the Soldier school district and graduated with the Class of 1959.

On Dec. 26, 1968, Don married the love of his life Kathleen Kruse in the St. Peter’s United Church of Christ of Mapleton. The couple made their home in Soldier and they were blessed with two sons, Doug and Jeff.

In 1978, the couple moved to their forever home in Oto. Don actively farmed from 1978-2012. He enjoyed farming with his two sons and wife, Kathy. He was a member of St. Peter’s United Church Christ of Mapleton.

In his spare time, Don enjoyed traveling with Kathy and taking his annual trip to the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky. He was an avid tractor collector and liked attending tractor pulls, tractor rides, and spending time with his friends, family, and especially his grandchildren.

Those thankful for sharing in Don’s life include his wife of 51 years, Kathy Johnson of Oto; children, Doug (Stephanie) Johnson and Jeff (Katrina) Johnson, both of Oto; grandchildren: Teresa Johnson, Dillon Johnson, Christian Johnson, and Katelyn Johnson; brother, Dale (Cynthia) Johnson of Castana; sister, Darlene (Byron) Kruse of Mapleton; man’s best friend, Buddy; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Ruby Johnson.