Marlys Johnson, 86

Marlys L. Johnson, 86, died Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria.

Marlys was born November 4, 1926. She lived in Maple Plain until she was 3 and then moved to a farm in Forest Lake with her parents, Esther and Rudolf Larson, sister Phyllis and brother Eldon.

While roller-skating and with one special wink, Paul was able to capture Marlys’s heart and they were married on June 8, 1946.

With Paulette, Lynette and Lyle, they moved to the Cities so Paul could work for the Franklin Creamery and Marlys could be a homemaker. It was there she gave birth to her youngest son Bobby and in 1960 they informally adopted LeeAnn to complete their family. Shortly after Bobby was born, she went to work at Honeywell.

Marlys loved her flower gardens, fishing and camping with her family. In 1976, Marlys and Paul moved to their retirement home he had built on Lake Mary in Alexandria. Like her husband Paul, she never really retired. She spent her time gardening, cutting wood, raising rabbits, making maple syrup and spoiling the grandkids.

As busy as she was, Marlys always had time to stop and enjoy some good conversation, a cup of coffee, and a sweet treat. She was a mother and a good friend to all who needed her.

During the cold winter nights, she could be seen snowmobiling across the lake with her husband Paul to their icehouses for a little friendly fishing competition.

After her husband passed away, she had a series of health problems, which never dampened her spirits or her love of life. With help from her family, she was able to spend most of her final years at home with her family, birds and flower gardens. Her final days were spent under the incredible care of the staff at Knute Nelson nursing home.

She is survived by her children, Paulette (Bob) Anderson, Lynette (Jim) Hoffman, Lyle (Christy) Johnson, Bob (Peggy) Johnson, and LeeAnn (Glen) Huff; 16 grandchildren and their spouses; 28 great-grandchildren; very special brother, Allen (LaVerne) Johnson; many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Phyllis and brother, Eldon.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, January 29 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery. Casket bearers were Tim Granlund, Tom Granlund, Curt Smith, Chris Smith, Adam Johnson, Tony Johnson, Paul Johnson, Luke Johnson and Brady Johnson. Honorary casket bearers were Erin Krech, Ellie Hooks, Dee Dee Armstrong, Teri Shmitka, Aron Hoffman, Pauly Hoffman and Jesse Hoffman.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

A00009B2013JA30

Tags: obituaries