Donald F. Johansen

Donald Fred Johansen passed away May 22, 2024. He was 93 years old. 

Don was the son of Fred and Helen Johansen. He often told stories about working summers on his Uncle Louis’ farm in El Paso, Illinois. 

After college, Don worked at Illinois Bell. He met the love of his life, Janet Eckert, in 1955. They were married for 68 years. Don would sing Janet’s praises to anyone who would listen. “She’s too good for me,” he’d say. “I married the best.” 

Don volunteered with Junior Achievement mentoring young businesspeople. After retiring, he served with the Executive Service Corps as a volunteer. 

Don loved sports and fishing, often taking his kids and grandkids to Cubs games or remote lakes for fishing trips. He water-skied into his 70s, sang “The Alpha Delta Girls” to his kids and grandkids, coached little league, and said, “I’m fine!” even from his hospital bed. 

He was a faithful follower of Jesus, attending First Presbyterian Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and serving as an elder there. 

He loved his family deeply: His three children, Laura (John) Johansen Crosby, David (Susan) Johansen, and Christopher (Jane) Johansen; his grandkids, Katy Crosby, Maggie (Austin) Crosby, Kyle (Mindy) Johansen, Cristopher Johansen, Cooper Johansen, Caleb (Laura) Johansen, Andrew (Kathryn) Johansen, Anna (Wesley) Brown, and Leah Johansen; and his great-grandkids, Jack, Evelyn, Cecily, Haley, Beckett, and Lynnea. 

Don’s son David preceded him to heaven. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to World Vision or DuPage Animal Friends. Funeral Service on Sunday, May 26, 2024 begins at 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 550 N. Main Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Donald F. Johansen, please visit our Tree Store.