Donald Johnson

NORWAY- Donald “Yonty” Helmer Johnson age 97 of Norway, died Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Marshfield Medical Center – Dickinson in Iron Mountain, MI. He was born on November 27, 1925 in Norway, the son of the late Helmer and Elsie (Roy) Johnson. Don graduated from Norway High School in 1944 and served his country in the US Navy during World War II in the South Pacific. He married Shirlee Ross on November 30, 1946 in the parsonage of St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Norway. Don was a lifelong resident of Norway. He owned and operated Johnson Brothers Fuel Company. After he sold the business, he worked for ProKleen at Champion Paper Mill in Quinnesec, where he worked into his 80’s. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan. A life member and Past Master of the Norway Lodge #382, Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, a member of the Norvulet VFW Post #4581 and the Hall-Dewinter Post #145 American Legion in Norway. Don had two passions in his life. His biggest was playing drums, whether it was in the Norway City Band his whole life, beginning playing alongside his dad and later his son, daughter and grandson, or starting in junior high school playing in a dance orchestra. He later played in three dance bands, “The Deep Water Four”, “Al Brown and the Rhythm Aires” and “Art Noel and the Versatones”. His other passion was “Camp 41” which has been in the family for 82 years. He loved to be in the woods and he loved the comradery of life at camp. Don is survived by his wife of 76 years Shirlee; son David (Carol) Johnson; daughter Wendy (Doyle) Yoder; son-in-law Dale Thomas; grandchildren Julie (Scott) Williams, Dan (Angela) Johnson, Harley Miller, Jake (Scott Baccus) Miller, Abe (Ruthie) Yoder, Amanda Yoder and Jordon (Keeley) Thomas; 10 great grandchildren; sister Marilyn Girard; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter Candy Thomas; brother Curt Johnson; brother-in-law Ferdinand Girard and sister-in-law Marion Johnson. Family will greet friends on Monday, April 10 from 10-11 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Norway, family request everyone wears their Packer attire for Don. A Masonic Service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at Grace United Methodist followed by a memorial service with Pastor Irene White officiating. Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery.

Donald Johnson

November 27, 1925 - March 29, 2023