Donald H. Johnson

Donald H. Johnson, 88, of Oppeheim, New York, passed away peacefully, early Wednesday morning, December 26, 2018 at Alpine Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Little Falls, New York after a short stay.

He was born on May 1, 1930 at his family homestead in Oppenheim, New York and was the son of the late, Harold and Malvina (Sawyer) Johnson. Donald was educated at Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School and graduated with the Class of 1949. After high school, Donald attended SUNY Delhi for one year.

On July 22, 1950, Donald was united in marriage to Helen Montana at the Salisbury United Methodist Church Parsonage. The couple shared a blessed union of 68 years where they raised their four loving children together.

In his younger years, Donald worked with his father as a carpenter and then went on to work with the B.A.C. Local 2 starting out in Herkimer, then Utica and eventually Albany as a mason. He worked with the union for 25 years until his retirement in 1992.

Donald was a former member of the Dolgeville United Methodist Church, a former member of Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department, and a former member of the Board of Education for the Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School District, serving as President for the Board in the 1960's.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, horses and his hobby farm where he had various types of animals throughout the years. He will be greatly missed by his loving family.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife, Helen M. Johnson at home; four loving children, Deborah Johnson of Maine, Joel Johnson and his wife, Bonnie of Oppenheim, NY, Alan Johnson and his wife, Nadine of Oppenheim, NY, and Kathie Walrath and her husband, Dean of Dolgeville, NY; eight special grandchildren, Heath Leavitt of Salisbury, NY, Joseph Johnson and his companion, Jennifer of Oppenheim, NY, Mindy Johnson of Palatine Bridge, NY; Jeremiah Johnson and his wife, Becky of St. Johnsville, NY, Justin Johnson and his companion, Veronica Trumble of Oppenheim, NY, Kristopher Walrath and his companion, Tiffany of VT, Corey Walrath of Dolgeville, NY, Kyle Walrath of Dolgeville, NY; twelve cherished great-grandchildren, Felicia, Ally, Christian, Hannah, Owen, Ethan, Amber, Taylor Mae, Becky, Sam, Bella, and Austin; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Malvina Sawyer Johnson, a sister of Doris Skapik and her husband, Steve and two special cousins, George Sawyer and Arthur Boyer.

In keeping with Donald's wishes, there will be no public calling hours. A graveside memorial service will be held at Salisbury Rural Cemetery on Friday, June 21, 2019 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. R.W. Williams, pastor officiating, where he will be laid to rest with his parents.  All are welcome to attend.

The Johnson Family would like to thank Alpine Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their care and compassion shown to Donald during his stay.

Please consider memorial contribution in Donald's memory for the Oppenheim Volunteer Fire Department or the Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Johnson Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the guest book.

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