Donald Raymond Johnsen

Donald Raymond Johnsen, age 75 of Loomis, California, passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. Don is survived by his wife, Debra (DJ) Johnsen, son, Neal (Mahnoush) Johnsen, and daughter, Kim (Vincent) Quezada, along with stepsons, Matthew (Gwyneth) Dennler, Jonathon (Darcy) Dennler, and stepdaughter, Alexandra Merchant. He is also survived by his brother, Tom Johnsen, and 10 grandchildren, 2 nieces and 2 nephews.

Don was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Wantagh, Long Island. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He often spoke of his magical childhood with his loving parents, Harold and Anne and three brothers, Gary, Will and Tom. His favorite memories included spending time at Jones Beach, playing sports, especially baseball, hanging out with his close friends,” The Boys”, and playing in their popular rock band, The Caravans.

Don attended General Douglas MacArthur High School and after some college, enlisted in the USAF and served as a radar technician. His professional career began on the east coast with a national medical insurance and collections agency. He happily relocated to California in 1980 and achieved numerous awards for his marketing and management skills. In 1990, Don began his own successful agency, J & L Teamworks and was the president and CEO throughout 28 years, until he sold the business.

From his early years, Don was a huge sports enthusiast. He was known for his great fastball and his delight in striking out his buddies, often accompanied by a sly smile. Upon moving to California, he quickly became a Giants and 49’ers fan and loved attending the games, especially a July Giants game with his son. Don was an avid golfer, too and enjoyed many rounds of golf with the SIRS group, family and friends on courses throughout the west. Don also loved traveling. Europe, Alaska and Hawaii were among his favorite destinations, including a June trip to Kauai with his daughter and family.

Don had great affection for his pets and his lovely home and community. He also loved classic movies, history and music. Don played the guitar and had a beautiful singing voice. The Beatles were his all-time favorite group.

Don’s loving, generous spirit, his delightful sense of humor and his kindness will be greatly missed by his loving wife, DJ and his family.

Please consider making a donation in his honor to one of his favorite charities, the Wounded Warrior Project and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.