Obituaries

Donald Joseph Johnston Sr., age 76, of St. Ignace, Michigan, died on May 3, 2025. He was born on November 21, 1948, in Carp River, Michigan, to Elmer and Madeline (Wisner) Johnston.

Don grew up in Carp River and attended Rudyard High School. After school he worked construction in Detroit, Michigan, with his brother Bob, until he was drafted into the United States Army. He served in Vietnam with Company C, 588th Engineer Battalion earning a good conduct medal, national defense service medal, Vietnam service medal, Vietnam campaign medal, and a rifle sharpshooter badge. Following his discharge, he returned home to the U.P. to start a new chapter in life. He married, began his family, and worked various jobs including driving truck for Art Huskey & Sons and as a painter with the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Unfortunately, due to service-related injuries, he retired in the early 2000s.

Don was a member of the St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter MI 35-1.

Don had many hobbies and passions. He enjoyed photography and building and racing R.C. boats and cars. He found joy in spending time outdoors on his tractor—clearing snow in winter or tidying the lawn in summer. He had a deep love for motorcycles, cruising through the woods in his side-by-side, and watching drag races—always cheering on his favorite, John Force.

Don will be remembered for his strong spirit, love of machines, and deep connection to the land and community of the Upper Peninsula.

Donald is survived by his children, Cory (Laura) Johnston, Don (Helen) Johnston Jr., and Tanya Johnston; grandchildren, Bobby Pavilionis, Alyssa Johnston, Jessica Johnston and Brandon Johnston; great-grandchildren, Aleigha Roark; sister, Karen Tremblay; sister-in-law, Dixie Johnston; and many nieces and nephews who will all miss him dearly.

Donald was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert (Sandy) Johnston and Wayne Johnston; sisters, Maxine (Orrin) Taylor, Donna (Claude) Daniels, Shirley (Jim) Campbell and Ruthann "Tick" (Dave) Lajoice; and brother-in-law, Louie Tremblay.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Saint Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 120 Church St. St. Ignace, MI 49781, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. The Memorial Service will start immediately at 12:00 Noon.