Donald L. Johnson, 84, of Evanston, Ill., died on Nov. 1, 2021, after a long illness.

Don was born on Aug.14, 1937, to Raymond C. Johnson and Fern Overfield, in Swea City, Iowa.

He graduated from Luther College in 1959 and University of Iowa Law School in 1962.

He met and married his wife, Jo Cochran, in 1961, and had two children, Erik Johnson and Corrine Johnson.

From a young age, Don wanted to become a lawyer and practice in Chicago. After three years of practicing in Milwaukee, he moved his family to Evanston and started a long career in Chicago as a litigator in private practice, with a concentration in legal malpractice. He practiced law in Chicago from 1965 to his retirement in 2016.

Don was a force of nature, and in his years as a litigator he was known as a fierce advocate for his clients. A lifelong civil rights advocate, he devoted many hours to pro bono work. His love of law was matched only by his love of his family; his dedication to their well-being and his steadfast love of, and commitment to his wife, children, and grandchildren formed the center of his life. All those who knew Don during his later years, remarked on his joy in being a grandfather, and that his grandchildren truly lit up his life. Don was also a dedicated angler; when he was not in a courtroom, he could be found on Lac Vieux Desert in Vilas County, Wisconsin, or Chautauqua Lake in New York, a passion he shared with his children and grandchildren, in hopes of an unsuspecting muskie and a big catch.

Don is survived by his wife, Jo, his son, Erik Johnson, his daughter, Corrine Johnson, and his grandchildren, Jack and Hazel. A celebration of his life was private. Memorial donations may be sent to Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, 33 North Dearborn, Unit 400, Chicago, IL, 60602. Info:donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-1990.