COTTAGE GROVE - Donald Keller Johnson, age 83, of Cottage Grove, Wis., passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Skaalen Nursing and Rehab with his loving wife, Marilyn, at his side. Don was born on July 3, 1942, in Madison, Wis., to Irving and Elizabeth Johnson.

Donald grew up as a farm kid and could fix anyone’s vehicle with his self-taught mechanical skills. He married Marilyn (Rathert) Johnson on July 9, 1960, and they raised four children. This year they celebrated 65 beautiful years together. Don worked for Verizon Telephone Company fixing and maintaining their fleet service trucks until he retired.

Don’s outgoing nature ensured that everyone he interacted with was always left with a good story. He was very funny, personable and giving to all. His main goals in life were that his family was never left wanting anything; if he couldn’t buy it, he found it on the curb and refurbished it. Don loved music, sang in the Deerfield Lutheran Church choir and Men’s Choral Group, and played guitar and banjo. He made sure his kids were well-versed in making music. Mandatory Hee-Haw and Grand Ole Opry were watched by all of his children and grandchildren. Don was also a volunteer firefighter for the Deerfield Fire Department for many years.

Donald is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Christy (Tim) Leveque, Mark (Sonia) Johnson, Darren (Carmen) Johnson and Amy (Brian Bentzler) Johnson Wilke; granddaughters, Erin (Aaron), Isabel (Christopher), Emily (Jonathan), Josie and Meagan; grandsons, Matthew, Zachary (Mikayla), Tyler (Maddie) and Jacob (Katrina); great-grandchildren, Greyson, Henry and Emma Jo; as well as other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Janice (Jerry) Hull; and Callie and Leo.

A memorial service will be held at DEERFIELD LUTHERAN ELCA, 206 S. Main St., Deerfield, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025, with Jennifer Kuhnert presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Sunday.

Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or the Dane County Humane Society. Donnie’s family would like to extend a special thanks to his nurse, Elena Kornilova, Dr. Christa Pittner-Smith, and home caregiver, Ashley Piediscalzzi. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Donald Keller Johnson

July 03, 1942 - October 09, 2025

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