Donald “Don” D. Johnson
December 31, 1959 — March 14, 2026
Donald “Don” D. Johnson of Altoona, Iowa went to be with his Lord and Savior March 14, 2026, at the age of 66.
Don was born on December 31, 1959, the son of Paul and Loretta (Husmann) Johnson in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated high school in 1978 at Canadian Academy in Kobe, Japan. Throughout his childhood he lived in Venezuela, Uruguay, Thailand, and Japan. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree at Central College in Pella, Iowa. Don worked as a purchasing agent in the industrial industry until he retired. In May 1992, Don married Elizabeth Desender. He believed in creating a home for his family and sacrificed his career for the people he loved. He was a loving devoted husband, father, and papa.
In his free time, Don enjoyed gardening, golfing, caring for saltwater fish, collecting stamps, creating photo albums for his children and grandchildren, and relaxing while swinging on his back deck. Don loved being retired. He would say “everyday felt like a Saturday.” Above all else, Don loved spending time with his family, cherishing every moment shared with his wife, children and grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy throughout his life.
Left to cherish his memory include his wife, Elizabeth Johnson, mother, Loretta Johnson, sisters, Barb Johnson & Kate Johnson, children, Ashley Dejong, Bradley (Jenna) Johnson, Corey (Corey Beth) Johnson, and four grandchildren, with one on the way.
He is preceded in death by his father, Paul Johnson.
An open visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home, with burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Minburn, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
Keith Rowley
04/11/2026
I find out about Don‘s passing rather late. I’m not on social media so I found out through my brother who knew that I knew him when we were all living in Venezuela.. I was rather shocked because I just texted him last year and he seemed fine. I was honestly planning to go out and see him and meet the family but life just kept getting in the way. Now I’m left with a void in my heart. I really wish that I had made the extra effort to go see Don. He was taken from us far too soon. From the short couple years that I knew him, I remember him as being a very kind, gentle person, especially to me. When others bullied me in school he was always my friend. I didn’t have a perfect childhood, but Don was a bright spot in it for sure. I will miss him very much, but I have a feeling I will see him again.
Dave Brown
03/24/2026
Loretta, Elizabeth, Barb and the rest of Don's family,
It has been my pleasure to be associated with your family (especially Paul and Loretta) for over thirty years. From our old neighborhood in the Highland Park area to the present. I could not have asked for better neighbors and friends. To Loretta's children and grandchildren, I have always been very appreciative to the attention and care you bestowed on Loretta and Paul. And you have continued to watch over her in the recent years since Paul's passing. I sincerely feel your sadness in Don's passing. And I want you all to know that my heartfelt sympathy and most sincere condolences are extended to you all.
Dave
Michael Hood
03/24/2026
We enjoyed working with Don during his years at The Boulder Company and later AFC Industries. I was excited for Don when he was able to retire as I know he was looking so forward to it. Sad to hear that his time was cut short. Prayers to your family I know he will be looking down on you!