Marlene Johnson

Born November 23, 1936, in Marquette, a daughter of James and Minnie (Zintman) Koval, Marlene was raised in Marquette and was a graduate of John D. Pierce, Class of 1955. At age 16, Marlene got her first job in the dietary department at the former St. Luke’s Hospital. On October 28, 1961, Marlene was united in marriage to Ronald Jay Johnson, and together the couple made their home in Marquette. Throughout the years, Marlene had various jobs, a jack-of-all-trades, each job different and fulfilling. Her last employment was with Dallas Cleaners, retiring in 1988.

In her leisure, Marlene enjoyed painting using the mediums of oil and watercolor, gardening at home and camp, especially flower gardening, and sewing for family and friends. She was an animal lover and enjoyed feeding them at home and at camp. For many years, both Ron and Marlene enrolled in senior citizen student classes at Northern Michigan University, involving exercise and physical fitness (Tai Chi). Both were also actively involved in the Marquette Senior Citizen Center.

Marlene is survived by her daughter, Tracy Jackson of Muskegon; her grandchildren, Jordan Halloran, Ryleigh Green, Tyler Jackson, Kevin Jackson, and Paydon Jackson; three great-grandchildren, Camden, Henley, and Creed; sisters-in-law, Barbara and Joyce Koval of Marquette; many nieces and nephews, among them a special niece, Cheryl (David) Mingay of Marquette.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 60 years, Ron, in 2022; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Lorraine and Richard Anderson and Dorothy and Lawrence Peterson; brothers, Norman “Jeff” Koval, Leo Koval, and Albert Koval.

Graveside services will be held at the Park Cemetery this summer and will be announced.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.