Dona Marie (Pennels) Johnson

Dona Marie Johnson, age 100 of Kalamazoo, died on September 4, 2022. She was born on December 13, 1921, to Minnie Hazel (Burns) and Harry Raymond Pennels in Kalamazoo. She grew up in Cloverdale, Michigan and attended a one room schoolhouse for K-8th Grade. Dona’s father was the Postmaster of Cloverdale. The family moved to Kalamazoo in 1936 where Dona Marie went to KCHS graduating in 1940. She met and began dating a handsome young man from Richland, Robert Hale Johnson. They were married on September 21, 1940, at her parent’s home in Kalamazoo. Robert was drafted into the U.S. Navy on June 6, 1944. Robert was discharged on February 13, 1946, and began his career as a carpenter. Dona Marie was a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. They lived in a house built by Dona’s father and husband on Grand Pre Avenue in Kalamazoo. In 1955, they built a new home in Kalamazoo Township. Bob and Dona bought a lot on Gun Lake in 1966 and built a summer cottage there which they enjoyed from April to November every year. Bob passed away on February 16, 2005. Dona kept the cottage until May of 2020 when her health deteriorated. She maintained her independence in her own home in Kalamazoo Township until shortly after her 100th birthday and she enjoyed her last few months at the Vineyard Assisted Living Facility in Kalamazoo. Her family includes her sons: Larry (Elaine) Johnson, Alan (Sandy) Johnson, Charlie (Dianne) Johnson, and Tim (Janet) Johnson; her 10 grandchildren; her 18 great-grandchildren; and her two great-great grandchildren. Friends may visit with her family on Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 3:00-4:00 PM, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, where a funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM. A private interment will be at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park, South. Donations may be made to Centrica Care Navigators. Please visit Dona’s personalized online guestbook at www.langelands.com