Funeral services for Don E. Johnson will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Eileen Woyen will officiate. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

Don passed away peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community. He was 84.

Don Eugene Johnson was born May 24, 1935, in Waseca, to parents Clarence and Leona (Metzler) Johnson. Don attended and graduated from Alden High School. On Feb. 5, 1961, Don was married to Sharon (Ringoen) at Round Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Albert Lea. To this union, four children were born.

Don worked at Wilson & Co., later Farmstead, for 38 years. He was active in the Moose Lodge, Eagles Club, the Union Center and Trinity Lutheran Church.

When Don wasn’t working, he enjoyed fishing and playing the banjo for the Blue Banners, which he was the leader of the band for 60 years! His favorite tune was the “Schneider Polka.” He liked traveling with the band, playing all over the area. The Blue Banners was a huge part of his life and he enjoyed every minute of it! When he wasn’t playing music, you could find him dancing with his wife, Sharon. He also enjoyed going camping throughout the years.

Survivors include his children Lyndon (Linda) Johnson, Deb (Jim) Akemann and Lori (Scott) Melom; grandchildren Shanna Andresen, Jessica Boyer, Travis (April) Johnson, Cody Johnson, Katie Anderson, Nicole Marlin, Christina Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Luke (Lauren) Johnson, Jeremy Wenzel, Tucker (Samantha) Akemann, Triniti Akemann, Colton (Alisha) Zuniga, Brittani (Jered) Zuniga, McKenzie (Desmond) Zuniga, Heather (Jamie) Niedermann and Michael (Nickole) Dorothy; 30 great-grandchildren; siblings Beverly Lechnir and Gary (Judy) Johnson; brothers and sisters-in-law Terry (Jeanette) Ringoen, Richard (Coral) Ringoen and Joyce Johnson; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

Don is preceded in death by parents Clarence and Leona; wife, Sharon Johnson; son, Todd (Sheila) Johnson; and siblings Vern, S.L., Janet, Lester and Lois.

Blessed be his memory.