David Edward Johnson

David Edward Johnson was born on July 1, 1963, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Kenneth and Doris Johnson. He was the sixth of seven children. His favorite childhood memories were of piling all seven kids into their yellow station wagon and spending summers in Duluth and at Lake Okoboji.

A gifted athlete, David attended Baker University, where he excelled in tennis, earning All-American honors twice. In 2009, he was inducted into the Baker University Athletic Hall of Fame, an achievement that became a favorite source of pride and playful humor among family and friends, who affectionately referred to him as "HOF '09."

In 1988, David married his high school sweetheart, Maryellen Hauser, beginning a partnership defined by love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Together they shared 38 wonderful years of marriage and built a family that remained the center of David's world.

For more than 30 years, David built a successful career with Anchor Packaging, where he formed lifelong friendships and earned the respect of colleagues throughout the industry. As Executive Vice President of Sales, he played an instrumental role in the company's growth and eventual acquisition by Georgia-Pacific.

Though his career required extensive travel, David always made his family his highest priority. His children remember him for always being present, engaged, and ready to cheer them on. He coached basketball, softball, and baseball, sharing not only his love of sports but also the drive, work ethic, and resilience that became part of his legacy. Some of his family's favorite memories were made on annual spring break trips to the Don CeSar, Marco Island, the Bahamas, Las Vegas, and Park City. More than the destinations themselves, David treasured the time spent together and the traditions that brought his family closer year after year.

Of all the roles he held in life, David's favorite was being a father. It is easy to see pieces of him reflected in each of his children: Trevor's street smarts and sharp wit, Madeline's enthusiasm for life and sense of humor, and Lily's competitive nature and warmth. Above all, he was deeply proud of the people they became and the lives they built. That pride only grew when he became "Gogo" to his beloved grandchildren, August and Margo. They brought him immeasurable joy, and few things made him happier than spending time with them.

Outside of work and family, David loved golfing with his closest friends and watching live music. Over the years, he traveled far and wide to see U2, his favorite band, with a recent show at the Sphere among his most cherished experiences.

David possessed a rare magnetism that drew people to him wherever he went. Whether meeting someone for the first time or reconnecting with an old friend, he had a gift for making people feel comfortable, heard, and valued. His kind eyes, attentive listening, easy laughter, and genuine curiosity made others want to know him. No matter where he went, people were drawn to him. He never met a stranger.

David was truly one of one. His humor, warmth, generosity, competitive spirit, and ability to connect with people left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. David is survived by his loving wife, Maryellen; his children, Trevor (Jordyn), Madeline (Connor) Lebsack, and Lily (Caitlin Kerwin); his grandchildren, August and Margo; his siblings; and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and loved ones who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Pedal the Cause, which directly funds leukemia research at Siteman Cancer Center, where David received treatment.

https://www.givesignup.org/teampowermarrow