Donald Johnson

Donald Frank Johnson, 80, of Duluth; formerly of Eau Claire, left this life for a better one on February 1 in Duluth.

Don was born on December 10, 1944 to Donald C. Johnson and Theresa N. (Talarico) Johnson. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona where his mother was living while his father was serving in the US Army. The family was back in Wisconsin in 1945.

Don grew up in Eau Claire. He graduated from Regis High School; subsequently he earned two degrees in history from UW-Eau Claire. Later he earned a Master's in Library Science from Rosary College (Dominican University). It was at Rosary that he met Deborah M. Schultz from Duluth. They were married in 1980 at St Benedict's Church in Duluth. Don worked at various jobs and lastly as a reference librarian at the Duluth Public Library. He retired in the fall 2007.

Over the years Don enjoyed reading, walking the dog, University for Seniors study groups, a bit of photography, fishing, hunting.

He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Deborah; brother, Kenneth (Cynthia) of Chippewa Falls, Wis; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many good friends. Special thanks to the staff of the ICU, ICMU and Palliative Care units at Aspirus St. Luke's Hospital for the wonderful care they took of Don.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to­ Duluth Public Library Foundation, CHUM, Animal Allies or a charity of one's choice.

There will be a Memorial Service on Tuesday, May 20th at 1:30 p.m. with a visitation starting at 12:00 p.m. at Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 East Second Street, Duluth. Private interment will be at the Polish Catholic Cemetery.