Johnson, Donald

WA0EPX

Donald Martin Johnson, 69, of The Fremont Store, Fremont Township rural Lewiston MN, died Wednesday (July 14, 2004) at his home.

He was born March 10, 1935, in Clearbrook, MN the first child of Martin and Martha (Rydeen) Johnson.

He attended first grade in Clearbrook, second-eighth grades at Gilderhaus School in Dodge County. He graduated with honors from Lewiston High School in 1953.

Mr. Johnson graduated with honors from Southwest University at Marshall, Minn., with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration in 1975. With his family he reopened the Fremont Store in 1979. He and Pauline Gregerson were married Dec. 11, 1981, via a conference call with Pauline in Alabama and Don in Minnesota. Mrs. Johnson died Dec. 10, 1997.

From his wheelchair Mr. Johnson was active throughout his life in many fields: as Marksman, fisherman, a member of 4-H, WA0EPX Hamm radio operator advanced status, Army MARS operator. He was the guiding force behind starting the Minnesota Handi Hams. In 1989 he was inducted in to the Winona County Fair Hall of Fame. As Fremont storekeeper he was friend, counselor, listener, debater, mentor, political analyst, tourist guide, sports fan, and lover of all animals. He was also a Master Chess Player.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his mother, Martha Johnson of Fremont; a brother David (Pat) Johnson of Fremont; a sister Mary (Roger) Nahrgang of Chandler, Ariz.; a sister-in-law Helen Johnson of Goodview, nieces; a goddaughter; nephews; great nephews. His wife Pauline; father Martin; brother Derald; and great-great niece preceded him in death.

Funeral Services were July 18 at North Prairie Lutheran Church, the Rev. Ronald Warnes officiated. Burial was in Fremont Scotch Cemetery.