Donald W. Johnson, Jr.

Donald W. Johnson, Jr., 58, passed from this life on Friday, May 14, 2010 after a battle with cancer.

Don, the son of Betty (Cobley) and Donald W. Johnson, Sr. was born March 18, 1952 in Des Moines.

He graduated from Hoover High School in 1970, attended Central College in Pella and then moved to California, ending up in Bear Valley to enjoy one of his favorite past-times, skiing. After returning to Des Moines, he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Leo Cobley and uncle, Robert Cobley, he became a steamfitter and was a proud member of Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 33.

In 1978 Don married his soul mate, Vickie (Kintz). They were blessed with Nicole and Derek, the pride and joy of their lives. Don was also fortunate to have a life long friend, Dennis Porter who became an integral part of the family. The Johnson-Porter “Griswold” adventures were the most anticipated. Don, along with his family, enjoyed many vacations that spanned from Highway 1to Boston Harbor and the Boundary Waters of Minnesota to Cancun Mexico. Don also loved to golf and enjoyed participating in tournaments with his son and many golf buddies. Recently he enjoyed relentless hours of taking car rides with his family. His daily trips spanned from the countryside to several surrounding lakes which reminded him of his other past-times of hunting and fishing.

Don is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Vickie; daughter, Nicole and her family, Craig and Jackson of Columbus, Ohio; and son, Derek (Brandi) of Des Moines. He is also survived by his sister, Kathi (Allan) Pratt of Urbandale and their children, Julia and David. For all that have known or loved Don, his passing is a great loss.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2010 followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made by donating blood to the Blood Bank of Iowa or by donating to the DMARC Food Pantry.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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