Marion I. Johnson
May 28, 1920 ~ December 23, 2014
Marion I. Johnson, 94, Brandon, died suddenly on December 23, 2014, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Marion Jungk was born in Dubuque, IA, on May 28, 1920, to Heinrich George Martin and Gertrude May (Brown) Jungk (aka Young). Marion received her early education in Iowa, and later graduated from Washington High School (in Sioux Fall, SD) in 1938. Then, with her family, they moved to Milwaukee, WI where she attended the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee; there she pledged Delta Delta Delta. After her studies, she worked at the Milwaukee Public Library.
In 1943, she returned to Sioux Falls, SD, with her family and was employed as a librarian at the Carnegie Public Library. While working, she met her husband, Leland W. Johnson; they were united in marriage on December 28, 1946, at First Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls.
Marion’s passions in life included genealogy, where her four decades of research provided significant contributions to a multitude of extended family members and other genealogists. An avid reader, Marion enjoyed mostly nonfiction works. Marion loved to sew and made many cherished heirlooms for her loved ones to enjoy. Nothing made Marion happier then learning about her family’s activities, achievements, and accomplishments. Marion was blessed with a rich and robust sense of humor, a light heart, and laughed with ease. Marion enjoyed living in her home with a sharp mind and spirit until the end.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Gregory Mark Johnson, (Sioux Falls, SD) and Gary Mathew (Marlene) Johnson, (Scottsdale, AZ); five grandchildren, Joy M. Johnson (St. Paul, MN) Mark C. (Margaret) Johnson (Sioux Falls, SD), Chantelle E. Johnson (Scottsdale, AZ), Catrina L. Johnson (Viborg, SD), and Courtney C. (Forrest M.) Ramser (Scottsdale, AZ); five great grandchildren, Forrest and Victoria (both of Scottsdale, AZ), Claire (Sioux Falls, SD), Hudson and Brody (both of Viborg, SD); all of whom she loved dearly. Our mother/grandmother is very much missed.
Preceding her in death are her parents, husband, and younger brothers, David John Young, John Martin Young, and Joseph Henry Young.
A Private burial service was held on December 27, 2014, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD with pastor Jerry Merkouris officiating.
So sorry to hear of Marion’s passing. She was a lovely lady. She will be greatly missed. My sincere sympathy to all her family and friends.
Marion was a delightful lady. We were neighbors to Knute and Olga when we first moved to Brandon and they became like grandparents to our 4 children. Feeling like part of the family we learned to love and enjoy Leland and Marion too. Olga would have a little Christmas get together for the neighbors and Marion was always a special part of that gathering. I loved it when I saw her walking over to visit Olga and would enjoy a visit with her also. She was a charming and engaging conversationalist. Our family still has the Olga knitted Christmas stockings and other ceramic decorations. I taught school at Brandon during Leland’s bus driving days and would look forward to his wave or hug after school and admired the respect the kids had for him. I remember hearing much about Greg and Gary and how proud they were of you. Your parents and grandparents were admirable people and a wonderful heritage for each of you. God bless their memory. They will always be part of ours.
Don and Mary Niedringhaus
Marion was a delightful lady. We were neighbors to Knute and Olga when we moved to Brandon, and they became like grandparents to our 4 children. Being made to feel like part of the family, we learned to love and enjoy Leland and Marion too. Olga would have a little yearly Christmas get together for the neighbors and Marion was always a special part of that gathering She was a charming and engaging conversationalist. Our family still has the Olga knitted Christmas stockings and other ceramic decorations. A large all white nativity set is at home in Washington DC. I remember well each Thanksgiving when Leland would come to borrow the roaster from his mother and how proud I was one year when she let me use it. I taught school at Brandon during Leland’s bus driving days, and would look forward to his big wave or hug after school I remember hearing much about Greg and Gary and how very proud they were of you. Your parents and grandparent were admirable people and a wonderful heritage for each of you. God bless their memory. They will always be part of ours. God bless each of you as you mourn the loss of your mother.
Don and Mary Niedringhaus
I met Marion as we both did genealogy –her mother Gertrude Brown & my Gma Essie Brown were sisters..she always said to me ”’thank you dear” just like a southern lady would say …I enjoyed talking with her over the phone & exchanging notes…she was a very nice lady & I’m sure Leland was just as nice…