Donald Wilferd Johnson

Donald Wilferd Johnson, age 83, of Elma, Iowa passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at the Arizona Ohana Care home in Chandler, Arizona. He was born on November 30, 1941 to Karl and Anna (Sanderson) Johnson in Elma, Iowa. Don graduated from Jerico Lutheran School in May 1956 and New Hampton High School in May 1960. After high school, he served in the US Navy from July 1960 to July 1966 (active and reserve). After attending Adam State University, Alamosa Colorado, he became a mathematics teacher and wrestling coach. He taught and coached at Holbrook and Tolleson High Schools in Arizona; served as principal of Mount Olive Lutheran Grade School and coached college wrestling at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota. Don met his wife Claire Marie Rolloff through his sister, Sonja, and they fell in love by writing letters to each other. Don and Claire married on June 7, 1969. Don was faithful, humble, generous, kind, considerate, helpful, honest, honorable, patient, thoughtful, and creative. He enjoyed reading a good book, telling stories and good jokes, connecting with people, sports, and the challenge of creating something new. He loved music, playing the guitar, singing and writing songs, mathematics, teaching, wrestling, coaching, and his family and friends. He loved God and was an active member in the church community throughout his life. Don is survived by his wife Claire; four children, Lejon Johnson (Michelle Welch) of Chandler, Kendra (Chris) Tafoya of Tucson, Amber Johnson (Chris Wales) of Chandler, Erin (Jeff) Appleton of Phoenix; his brother Waldon (Peggy) Johnson of Cresco, IA; his brother-in-law Ron Hansen; five grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Alna, Dagney, Wanda (Ron) Hansen, and Sonja (Keith) Olmanson; his brothers Charles, Walter, Marland, and Dean; and his granddaughters Teagan and Velvet. Please send donations in lieu of flowers to River of Life Lutheran Church: via their website (https://www.azriveroflife.com), or by mail to P.O. Box 7135 Goodyear, AZ 85338. Condolences cards can be sent to: 2487 S. Gilbert Rd, Ste 106-(266), Gilbert, AZ 85295 Services to be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with reception to follow at same location: Emmanuel Lutheran Church; 715 West Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Wilferd Johnson, please visit our floral store.