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In Loving Memory of
Donna (Johnson) Carnahan
Donna Lorraine Cook, the daughter of Daniel and Ruth Dysthe Cook was born on January 8, 1922 in Chandler Minnesota. She graduated from Chandler High School in 1939 and attended Brady and Rogers School of Beauty Culture in Minneapolis with her sister, Velva. Donna and Velva bought the Jans Shop in Slayton MN and operated their business under the name VelvaDon Beauty Salon. Later Donna operated her beauty shop from her home on Pine Avenue. Donna was united in marriage to Harold Johnson on January 30, 1947, after their marriage, they made their home in Kansas and raised their son Greg, born February 20, 1950. Harold passed away in 1952. Donna was united in marriage to Ing Johnson on October 25, 1958, after their marriage, they made their home in Slayton MN and after retirement spent their winters in Mesa Arizona. Ing passed away July 28, 1984. Donna continued to winter in Arizona and later met Charlie Carnahan. They were united in marriage on March 4, 1992. Donna and Charlie enjoyed traveling and always had their bags packed. Their travels included many National Parks, trips to Washington DC, New York, Florida, California and Mexico. Numerous cruises including Panama Canal, Bahamas, the Caribbean and her favorite, Alaska. Charles Richard Carnahan passed away November 1, 2003. Donna always said those years in Arizona and traveling were the best years of her life. Donna had many losses in her life but the most painful was the sudden death of her beloved son Greg on April 10, 1988. Donna was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for sixty-six years. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church. Donna enjoyed playing bridge with friends and played in numerous card clubs. A favorite pastime was dancing at area dance halls. She traveled to Norway, Denmark, Sweden and the British Isles. She had no fear of flying over the ocean and hopping buses and trains throughout Europe. She was a devoted Twins and Timberwolves fan. Donna had a very quick wit. Unfortunately, there are too many one-liners to quote. She’ll be remembered for her flair in cooking wild game and fish that Ing and Greg provided. She was also a master at making lefse. The lutefisk meals were another story! Many friends and relatives have passed away throughout her long life, bridge games ended and so did her travels. She deeply missed her sister Velva Ohme who she always said was her best friend. Donna had moved to Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo MN in June of 2020, after residing at Lindenwood Assisted Living Center in Slayton MN for many years. Donna was blessed to have compassionate care from the staff at both facilities and the St Croix Hospice. Donna handled aging with grace and always said "it's a great life if you don't weaken." Donna passed away Friday, May 7, 2021, at Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo, MN. Farewell Donna, you loved well and were well loved, we will miss you deeply.
Preceded in death by parents Dan and Ruth Cook, son Gregory Johnson, husbands Harold Johnson, Ingwald Johnson and Charlie Carnahan. Sister Velva Ohme, brother-in-law Willard Ohme and nephew Jere Ohme. Survivors include, grandson’s Zach Johnson, Wes (Beth) Johnson, step-granddaughter Julie (Ryan) Ritter and daughter-in-law Yvette (Chuck) Bauer. Great-grandchildren, Kallen, Hadley, Reegan, Jaylyn and Katrina Johnson. Special nephews and spouses, Suanne, Dan (Sheryle), Kevin (Jodi) and Stace (Lisa) Ohme.
Funeral Services
Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton, MN on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dale Denger officiating. The organist is Gwen Denger. The pallbearers are Chuck Bauer, Dan Ohme, Kevin Ohme, Stace Ohme, Zach Johnson, and Wes Johnson. Interment is at Slayton Memorial Gardens in Slayton, MN. Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, GUESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK and practice social distancing guidelines. Memorials may be sent to Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton, MN or your local hospice organizations.
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