Donald James Johnson

Donald James Johnson, 85, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center. 

His memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, with Pastor Mike Jacobson, of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, officiating.  

Refreshments and a time of fellowship will immediately follow the service at Schriver’s Memorial Fellowship Center.

Visitation will be 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the mortuary.

Family and friends may sign Donald’s online guestbook and also view his service via the live stream service link at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Donald James Johnson was born August 18, 1934, to Herman and Mildred (Hedges) Johnson in Fullerton, North Dakota.  He was raised and attended school in rural North Dakota and Barnard, South Dakota.

At the age of 17, Donald enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for two years in Korea before returning to the states.  

Donald was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carole Montville, on December 24, 1955, in Worchester County, Massachusetts, where they made their home.  To their union, five daughters were born.  The family resided in several places before settling in Aberdeen.

Donald’s career consisted of being a carpenter, serving as a police officer and driving truck for Midwest Coast.  During his career as a police officer, he received a special accommodation from the FBI.

In his spare time, Donald enjoyed planting flowers, building furniture and fixing and refurbishing his cars.  He was known for his wisdom and creativity and was a wonderful cook and baker.  Above all, Donald was a great husband, father, and grandfather.  He loved his family and held a special place in his heart for his dogs: “Chanel”, “Abby”, and “Molly”.  He will long be remembered for the great pranks he pulled on his family and the tall tales he told.

Donald is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carole Johnson; his daughters:  Jacqueline “Jackie” Mehlhaff, Karen (Tony) Carr, Rebecca “Becky” (Dallas) Johnson, Melissa (Lee) Zimbelman and Melony (James) Malsom; one brother, Ben (Lola) Johnson; one sister, Betty Mullner; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers:  Kenneth, Robert, William, and John.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald James Johnson, please visit our floral store.