Mankato Mortuary
1001 N. Riverfront Drive
Mankato, Minnesota 56001
507-388-2202
Donavon Gene Johnson, age 82, of North Mankato, died Monday, August 27, 2012, at the Faribault Care Center.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 31, 2012 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato, with Rev. Jay Dahlvang officiating. Interment will be in Meadow Ridge Memorial Park in Faribault. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. on Thursday at Mankato Mortuary, and continues one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Memorials may be given to Hospice Advantage in Lakeville or Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Donavon was born on January 25, 1930, in Nelson Township, rural St. James. He was the son of Ardelius and Myranda (Nelson) Johnson. He attended school at District 23 for 8 years and graduated from St. James High School in 1948. He was united in marriage to Gladys Askeland in 1950, they later divorced. After farming for 25 years, Donavon moved to Mankato and worked for Beaudette and Rebstock Realty for 13 years. He also worked in maintenance at Bethany Lutheran College. He was an avid woodworker and displayed his projects at many craft shows. Donavon was united in marriage to Violet (Hunt) Peck on December 28, 1983 in Las Vegas, NV. Donavon enjoyed sports in his high school years, especially baseball which became special to him later watching games played by his grandchildren. He loved to hunt and fish with family and friends.
Donavon is survived by his wife, Vi, of 29 years; three children, Steve (Charlotte) Johnson of St. James, Tom (Becky) Johnson of Eagle, CO, and Kris (Tom) Suess of St. James; three stepchildren, Mark Peck of Ogilvie, Michelle (Jack) Streitz of Northfield, and Nancy (Tom) Sorenson of North Mankato; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren; his sister, Janice McCormick of St. James; and nephew, Chuck McCormick of Apple Valley.
Donavon was preceded in death by his parents and three special aunts, along with their husbands.
Special thanks to the staff at Autumn Grace, the Faribault Care Center, and Hospice Advantage.