Marlene Gloria Johnson

Marlene G. Johnson, 88, of Willmar died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, November 9, 2019, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, MN while on Hospice care, with her son Russ by her side. Funeral will be held at Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer at 11 am on Saturday Nov. 16th. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Lunch will be provided in the church hall. Interment will follow at Holland Township Cemetery for family and friends. Arrangements made by Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.

Marlene was born December 27, 1930 to Jerry and Jeanie (Hebrink) Strootman, at their home in Prinsburg. She attended Christian grade school and graduated from Clara City High School. She attended Calvin College & Blodgett School of Nursing in Grand Rapids, MI and became a Registered Nurse. While in nursing training she met the love of her life, Warren Johnson. They were married and had three children: Barbara Jean, Russell Warren, and David Warren. Her husband and children always came first, then nursing. She held many different nursing positions at Rice Memorial Hospital including staff, supervisory and director of the drug room and central supply. Later she worked as an in-service teacher, supervisor and assistant director of nursing for Woods Nursing Home in Olivia. She also worked with the migrant school as a nurse and childcare worker. Her favorite position was Director of Infection Control at Colusa County Hospital in California, where she took the hospital from 0 to 99% compliance for state accreditation.

Marlene was active in her community where she taught Sunday school and adult bible study. She was a Bird Island Lioness, serving as tail twister and president. She volunteered and helped with Bingo at the nursing home. She taught 11th grade high school girl’s breast self-exam for the American Cancer Society and assisted at pre-school screening and Lions glaucoma screenings.

She is preceded in death by her parents, only brother Wallace (Peachie), husband Warren, son-in-law Paul Avels-Taylor (David), and all her uncles & aunts.

She is survived by her children: Barbara Johnson of Kansas City, MO; Russell (Kathy Timmers) Johnson of Onamia/Roseville, MN; and David Johnson of Courtland, CA; Her grandchildren: Jessica (Nathan) Schmitt of Spicer, MN; Jennifer Cincotta of Kansas City, MO, Mike (Candice) Timmers of Zimmerman, MN; and Jessica (Jun) Park of Springfield, MO; Great grandchildren: Stephen, Precious, Honi, Bobby, Johnny, Sutton Jo, David, and WooJin; and many nieces and nephews.

Marlene put her trust in God and longed to go to her heavenly home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marlene Gloria Johnson, please visit our floral store.