M. Donald Johnson

M. Donald Johnson RACINE- M. Donald Johnson, age 84 passed away peacefully into eternal life at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospital on February 10, 2013. Don was born in Racine, WI on April 30, 1928, the only child of the late Milo D. and Amanda Johnson. Don grew up and spent his entire life living, working and raising his family in Racine. He was a graduate of Washington Park High School, Class of 1946. Don enlisted in the Marine Corps., achieved the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1951. He decided to continue pursuing his skills in the carpentry trade, served his carpenter apprenticeship in Racine and started his own custom home building business, “Don Johnson Contracting-Homes Of Distinction'”. On April 4, 1953, Don was united in marriage to Kamma Thomsen, celebrating 59 years of marriage. Together they had four children-Thomas, Peter, Christine and Nancy. In addition to Don’s contracting career, where he designed and built several custom homes, additions and existing home and building renovations in the Racine-Kenosha area, he was employed by Gold Metal Furniture of Racine. He designed and built proto-type home furniture. Don then became employed and associated with numerous local general contracting and architectural design firms in the area----Hans Geyer Architects and Korndorfer Corporation to name a few. After many years of study, examinations and associated experience in architecture, on May 17, 1977, Don completed his life long ambition and achieved the status of State of Wisconsin –Registered Architect. During this period, Don became co-founder and partner in Architectural Associates, LTD, where he designed, expedited and supervised the construction of many buildings and homes in the South-Eastern Wisconsin area. After Don’s retirement from Architectural Associates in 1988 at the age of 60, he continued practicing architecture as MDJ Architect, on a limited basis. In Don’s earlier years, he enjoyed both ski jumping and downhill skiing. In retirement he loved gardening, woodworking and golf. On Sundays, his love turned to viewing PGA Golf and the Green Bay Packers. Most of all he enjoyed the love and being in the company of his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will truly be missed by the family that adored him and will love him forever. Don is survived by his wife, Kamma and their children, Thomas (Pamela) Johnson of Sturtevant, Peter (Nancy) Johnson of Racine, Christine (Tim Kane) Johnson and Nancy (Jay) Rzeplinski all of Silver Lake; grandchildren, Patrick (Katie) Johnson, Jason (Destiny) Johnson all of Racine, Andrew Johnson, USAF and Katelynn Johnson of Wauwatosa; great grandchildren, Anna and Lauren Johnson and Brailey Johnson. Private memorial services and committal with full military honors were held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery/Chapel. Pastor Fred Marks, Don’s cousin officiated. The Johnson family wishes to thank the Hospice staff and 3-B nursing staff at All Saints for their compassionate care and support for Don and his fa

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M. Donald Johnson

April 30, 1928 - February 10, 2013