Obituary
Donald F. Johnson
Donald F. Johnson passed away on August 13, 2023 at the age of 93 with his daughters Peggy and Clare by his side. He was born July 7, 1930 to Judith (Fossum) and Orley Johnson. He and his sister, Helen, spent their childhood growing up with their family in La Crosse, WI. Donald enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948 where he served in active duty and subsequently in the Army Reserve until he retired in 1990 as a First Sergeant. Donald owned his own business, Johnson Realty, for many years. He later went into the real estate appraising business, owning and operating Johnson Appraisals until his retirement. He was very passionate about assisting families in finding their home and helping them through the process.
Donald and his wife of 67 years, Sally E. Pahl, enjoyed traveling abroad, having visited countries in both Europe and Asia, as well as visiting 49 of the 50 U.S. states. He made sure the entire family enjoyed numerous vacations. Donald and Sally enjoyed hunting ducks, geese, grouse and deer as well as fishing. The entire family spent their summers boating and camping on the Mississippi and Black rivers. Don particularly loved their years of living in their home on Lake Onalaska.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife Sally, sister Helen Wooley, along with his parents Judith and Orley Johnson. His death was also preceded by the deaths of several uncles, aunts, cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Donald is survived by his daughter Peggy Quinn, grandchildren Shauna and Bradley; daughter Clare (Kenne) Happel, grandson Scott (Jenny Curry) great granddaughter Tyler and great grandson Carter; grandson Todd (Faith Parcher) great granddaughter Samantha and great grandsons Thomas and Jase. He is further survived by his special nephew Joseph Wooley, sister-in-law Sue Prinsen, brother-in-law Choppy Lenz, several nieces, nephews and cousins and special friends Burleigh Randolph and Ron Westphal.
The daughters thank you for your kind thoughts and condolences and respectfully request that no cards or memorials be sent. Additionally, there will not be a public service or celebration. We miss him terribly but will cherish the great memories we made as a family and hope that you will also remember our father as the kind, caring, generous and loving person he was. He will be missed.
Sorry for your loss and many great memories of Don and family
Thank you Leif and Jackie, we will focus on the fun times we had.❤️
So sorry with your loss of Don. I got to know him well as he would visit me at city hall with his business. He was always so polite and kind.
Thank you Cindy for your kind words, I know he enjoyed seeing and talking to you at City Hall.
Take care Cindy!
Clare
I am so very sorry and sad. I just learned of his passing and I’m completely saddened. I will miss him so much. ? I absolutely loved taking care of him at Caretta and loved being “his person”
Jamie,
Thank you for everything you did for dad, your kindness was appreciated.
Clare