Donald V. Johnson, Sr.

Donald V. Johnson, Sr., 82, of Onalaska, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, December 7, 2015 and woke to eternal life in the arms of his Savior.
He was born in the Town of Burns, rural Bangor, Wis., on July 1, 1933, to Vernie and Ruth (Scafe) Johnson. He married Myra B. Frauenkron on March 2, 1957, in La Crescent, Minn.
Don worked as a truck driver for most his life, employed by Indianhead Truck Line of La Crosse for the last 25 years of his career before retiring in 1996. He was a long time member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Onalaska where he served as an usher and on several committees and boards, including Church Council. He also served as a leader for the Holmen Hustlers 4-H. In his free time, Don enjoyed camping, fishing, and working on cars.
Don’s career as a truck driver introduced him to the world of Citizen’s Band (CB) radio. His handle (name) was Twinstacks (at that time, he smoked pipe and his semi had a smokestack). The entire family also had handles, a base (home) radio, and were members of the Tri-River Community Broadcasters CB Club. His sense of humor and contagious smile will forever be a part of so many memories. Catch ya’ on the flipside, Twinstacks! (Translation: we’ll see you in heaven!).
Don is survived by his wife, Myra; his children, Doris (Steve) Pertzsch, Donald (Annette) Johnson, Jr., Dawn (Tom) Dixon, Denise Johnson, and Daniel Johnson; thirteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters, Leona (Arlan) Gilbertson and Lois Johnson; sister-in-law, Mary Brudos; many nieces and nephews, plus many other family members from the Frauenkron side. Don was a dear Godfather to Julie Brudos (?) and Ashley Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Clifford Johnson.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 11th, at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1201 Main St., Onalaska. Rev. Norris Baumann will officiate. Burial will take place in Money Creek Cemetery in rural Houston, Minn. Family and friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Onalaska, First Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crosse; the La Crescent Historical Society, or the organization of the donor’s choice.