Donald Johnston

Donald A. Johnston, age 88, of Willmar, died Tuesday afternoon, February 2, at Prairie Senior Cottages in Willmar.

Private family services will be held at a later date with interment at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery.

Donald Arthur Johnston was born on April 30, 1927, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Arthur and Anna (Paulson) Johnston. He grew up in Pennock and was baptized and confirmed at Mamrelund Lutheran Church. Don graduated from Willmar High School in 1945 while aboard a U.S. Navy ship in the Pacific during World War II. On June 18, 1955, at Eagle Lake Lutheran Church, Don was united in marriage to Lois Gilbertson and they made their home in Willmar where they raised two daughters. Don was employed for almost forty years as a railroad brakeman/conductor in Willmar. Following his retirement in 1988, Don could be found most summer days at the golf course from sunrise to sunset. He also enjoyed reading, fishing, deer hunting and taking care of his lawn. Don was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, Eagle Creek Golf Course, V.F.W., Elks and the American Legion. In January of 2013, Don moved into Prairie Senior Cottages.

He is survived by his daughter, Judy (and Rod) Hayes of Hillman; granddaughter, Katelyn Hayes of Hillman, grandson, Dylan Peterson of Bemidji, son-in-law, Robert Johnson of Morris; brother, James Johnston of Forrest Lake, sister-in-law, Alice Gjerde of Willmar; brother-in-law, Don (and Anne) Gilbertson of Fridley; besides other relatives, friends and his beloved cat, Kitty Cat.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois in 2001; daughter, Joni; grandson, Jamie Hayes; and four sisters, Maxine Adams, Margaret Schmidt, Virginia Gallagher and Gail Constanzo.

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