Donna J. Johnson Fremont, Nebraska Obituary

Donna J. Johnson

Donna Jean (Huntley) Johnson, age 92, went home to be with the Lord Monday, February 22, 2021 at the Saunders Medical Center LTC in Wahoo, Nebraska. Donna was born April 18, 1928 in Canton, Ohio and adopted by her parents, Maurice R. and Florence (Ringer) Huntley as an infant. She grew up in Alliance, Ohio as one of eight adopted children, four girls and four boys. Her parents were foster parents to over 200 children in their lifetime, so Donna was always surrounded by family. Her talent for singing began as a young girl when she would sing with her brothers for community events, local radio, and other special occasions. Her strong soprano voice could be heard singing in church, and to her dying day she was still singing and humming familiar old hymns which gave her much comfort. Donna attended Alliance High School, graduating in 1947, and entered nurses training at Alliance City Hospital School of Nursing, and graduated as a registered nurse (RN) in 1950. During that time she met a young World War II Navy veteran from Nebraska that was a navy buddy of her brother, Joe. They fell in love and on June 18, 1950 Donna married Philip Johnson and moved from the city in Ohio to a dairy farm near Mead, Nebraska. She embraced the role of becoming a farm wife, while beginning her career as a registered nurse at the Wahoo Hospital and having four children. In 1962 Donna began a 30 year career as a nurse at Memorial Hospital of Dodge County (now called Methodist Health). For several years she successfully juggled her childrearing responsibilities at home, nursed at the hospital from 3pm to 11pm, and then got up early to help milk the cows before getting the kids ready for school. She retired from Fremont Area Medical Center (Methodist Health) in 1992, but a call from Midland College didn’t allow her to stay retired for long. Donna became the Director of Student Health at Midland Lutheran College beginning in 1992, and finally retired again in 1997. Donna spent her retirement years enjoying her family, traveling with Phil out-of-state to visit loved ones, attending the weddings of most of their grandchildren, and celebrating each birth of a new great-grandchild. Donna was preceded in death by her loving husband, Phil. She is survived by son Philip (Shirley) Johnson of Eaton, CO; daughters Darlene (Steve) Carritt of Milford, NE and Melinda (Larry) Rasmussen of Mead, NE; and son John (Dotty) Johnson of Greeley, CO; sister Judy Honeycutt of Alliance, Ohio and sister-in-law Janice Wallingford of Lincoln, Ne; 15 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Donna will be remembered for her amazing faith especially during times of adversity, dedication to her profession as a nurse, her undying love and support for her family, and her willingness to always help others. Condolences may be left at www.duganchapel.com Memorials may be directed to the Nebraska Children’s Home. Visitation will be held Friday, February 26, 2021 from 5-8PM at Fremont Evangelical Free Church in Fremont. Funeral Service will be Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 10AM at the Fremont Evangelical Free Church. Burial will take place at a later date. The Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard will be presenting.
April 18, 1928 - February 22, 202104/18/192802/22/2021
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Tribute wall

F
Funeral Home Owner
February 27, 2021
F
Funeral Home Owner
February 26, 2021
J
Jan Jordan
February 26, 2021
Donna was a wonderful friend and mentor. She was the best role model that a new grad could ever have and I was blessed to know her. Her love for her family, co-workers and patients was never ending and I know her smile is lighting up heaven!
Jan Jordan
June Chase-Westphal
February 26, 2021
The Johnson family, I worked with DJ at the hospital for many, many years. She was a kind and caring and funny nurse. My late husband Steve worked with her husband also for a summer. She was a friend and co-worker I always looked forward to working with. She truly l... Continue Reading
T
Tom and Carol Shelby and famil
February 26, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Basket of Memories

Basket of Memories was purchased for the family of Donna J. Johnson.

Dixie Voss
February 25, 2021
The Heald family lived in your parents neighborhood. We first met when Donna took care of my son when he had his tonsils removed 48 years ago, she made this 4 year old comfortable and not frightened of the hospital. When my mother died in 1990 your Mother one of her ve... Continue Reading
E
Eileen Thornburg
February 25, 2021
Melinda & family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. What a special life for you to have Donna as your mother. She was such a delightful lady, with a huge smile, kind heart, & most importantly, her love of the Lord. I enjoyed getting to know Donna at Mi... Continue Reading
M
Morris Rusch
February 25, 2021
You have my deepest sympathy Judy(Hassler) Rusch
A
Alice and Roxana Saad and Thomas Scott
February 25, 2021
With deepest sympathy,
Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet

Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet was purchased for the family of Donna J. Johnson.

E
Eric Groh
February 25, 2021
E
Eric Groh
February 25, 2021
I remember from a young age when DJ lived next door to us and how she and my mother (Bobbi) would talk from the window to each other. DJ never forgot a birthday growing up she always remembered sending me a birthday card as a young child. She and Phil always treated an... Continue Reading
M
Mike Leibert
February 24, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to Donna's family. Working with Donna at the hospital we could always count on Donna to tell things as they were and to be a staunch advocate for the residents. She truly loved her residents and I am grateful to have known such a caring individua... Continue Reading