Donn Allan Johnson, 62, was fatally shot on February 22, 2017, in Lindstrom, Minnesota, in a dispute over lake access. He was born May 16, 1954, in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, raised on the family farm on Sunrise Lake, graduated Lindstrom High School in 1972 and later earned an architectural degree before returning to manage the family farm.

Donn married Deborah in 1980; they raised two children, Shannon and Travis, while running the farm. He enjoyed the outdoors, including fishing, hunting and snowmobiling. A 44-year-old man from Lindstrom named Carl was arrested and charged with murder over the shooting, but during the trial Carl was acquitted when the court found insufficient evidence to convict.

A memorial service was held March 11, 2017, at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City, Minnesota.