Donald Albert Johnson, 80, of Rochester died at his home, August 24 2009, of complications from cancer.  He was born March 29, 1929 in St Cloud, Minnesota and raised in Big Lake.

Don served in the United States Air force from 1947 to 1950.  He was honorably discharged from the Air Training Command as a sergeant.   He served in the USAF Reserves from 1950 to 1953.  He held a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from St. Cloud State University, as well as a Master of Science degree from Winona State University.  Don was a teacher and counselor in the Rochester Public Schools from 1963 to 1991.  In retirement he was a member of the Mayo Clinic Volunteers Service serving a term as President.  He held a strong interest in American History specifically the Civil War period.  He was a member of the Rochester Civil War Roundtable.

On September 5, 1958 he married Betty Williams in Trenton, Michigan.  Following their marriage Don taught in Michigan Public Schools before moving to Minnesota to teach.

He is survived by his wife Betty, a son Russell (Gail) Johnson of Olathe, Kansas and a daughter Jean (Bill) Twohey of Stewartville, MN three grandchildren Sam, Marisa, and Alex Johnson.  He is also survived by two brothers Richard (Adelle) Johnson of Madison, WI and Gerald (Carol) Johnson of Monticello, MN

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday August 27, at 2:00PM in the Timothy Chapel at Autumn Ridge Church.   Friend may call an hour in advance of the service at church.  Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Autumn Ridge Church or The American Cancer Society.

He will be greatly missed.

Macken Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.