Donald L. Johnson, Jr., 81 passed away Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Benedictine Health Center in Duluth.

Don was born on July 22, 1944, to Leona (Kozy) and Donald L. Johnson, Sr. in Superior, WI. He graduated from Denfeld High School in 1962. He enlisted in the US Army serving 1962-65 stationed in Pendleton, New York and overseas in Berlin.

Don married Mary Lager on June 5, 1971, in Superior, WI. He was employed as a welder working at US Steel in Morgan Park and Frazer shipyard in Superior, where he helped to build and assemble the first self-unloading vessel John G. Munson, the largest of its time in 1976.

Don was a member of the American Legion Post #71, a member of the #117 International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers Union.  He was a longtime little league coach and hockey coach at Wheeler in Duluth.  Don was always busy caring for his yard, biking, weightlifting, and enjoying walks in Lincoln Park. He was a super broomball player; his teams took numerous city championships over the years.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary, brothers, Steve and Dennis Johnson.

Survivors include his children, Jason (Brianna) Johnson, and Jessica (Lance) Whiting; his grandchildren, Jayce, Jaster, Layla, Lexi, and Harlow; his brothers, Roger (Cindy) Johnson and Larry Johnson; his sister in-law, Cindy Johnson and  numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr Kevin Perry and the team at Mayo, Edgewood Assisted Living, the Ecumen Hospice team, and the Benedictine for the tremendous care Don received. And the help US Veterans of Armed Services provided.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2430 W. 3rd St., Duluth, MN.  Interment will be at the MN State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth following the funeral mass.