Donavon Earl Johnson

Donavon Earl Johnson, age 87, of Willmar, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024, at the St. Cloud Hospital. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 14, at 1:00 p.m. at the New London Evangelical Covenant Church. Visitation will take place on Sunday, October 13, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., and again one hour prior to the service on Monday, both at the church in New London. A private family burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery. 

Donavon was born on March 28, 1937, to Earl and Mildred (Warner) Johnson on the family farm in Cottonwood County, Minnesota. His early years were spent in both Minnesota and Oregon, attending nine different schools over nine years. At the age of 18, he settled on a farm near New London, MN. On August 22, 1958, Donavon married the love of his life, Marilyn, in New London. The couple resided in Willmar until 1961, when they moved to their first farm. In 1971, they settled on the farm where they would live for the next 50 years, raising their family and working the land. In addition to farming, Donavon worked for a professional cleaning business for 27 years. In 2022, Donavon and Marilyn moved to an apartment in Willmar.

Donavon was a man of many passions. He loved the outdoors and was an avid ice fisherman, deer hunter, and snowmobiler. He continued to enjoy these hobbies well into his later years, only parting with his motorcycle at the age of 80. He looked forward to attending auction sales with his close friend, Norman, and spent years collecting treasures, including a cherished collection of vinyl records.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Marilyn, and their four sons: Daniel (Cheryl) of Pennock, Mark (Dawn) of Willmar, James (Julie) of Spicer, and Bruce (Dawn) of Clara City. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Crysta (Brian), Benjamin (Shelly), Andrew (Rachel), Brianna (Jeff), Cassandra (Carter), Derik, Marissa (Christopher), Nicole (Joshua), Kresson (Samuel), Noah (Allie), and Leah, as well as 10 great-grandchildren and two more on the way. He will be deeply missed by his brothers Eugene, Richard (Helga), Merlin (Mary), and his sister Sheryl (Andy) Dinger.

Donavon was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mildred, and his brother, Bill.

Donavon will be remembered for his love of family, dedication to his work, and his out-going personality. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

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