Mary Ann (Christensen) Johnson passed away peacefully in her sleep in Waconia, Minnesota, on June 10, 2025, at the age of 96.
She was born on May 10, 1929, to Edith Skog, whose grandparents had immigrated from Sweden and settled in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, and Oluf Kristensen of Kolding, Denmark, who arrived in the United States in 1915 at the age of 18.
Mary Ann attended public schools in Chicago and graduated from Hirsch High School in 1947. She went on to earn her degree in History and Spanish from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, in 1951, graduating summa cum laude and as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society (Delta Chapter).
After college, she began her career in international trade, working for an import/export firm in Chicago. She traveled extensively throughout Mexico, Central and South America, sourcing imported goods and honing the global business and public relations skills that would shape her future.
Mary Ann married James H. Johnson, a handsome electrical engineer and businessman from South Bend, Indiana in November 1953. In 1959, Mary Ann, Jim, and their son Chris moved to Hinsdale, Illinois, where she became active in local civic life, including the Infant Welfare Society and other community organizations. Soon after, they welcomed daughter Lisa to the family.
The family adopted Door County, Wisconsin, as their summer retreat. In 1969, inspired by her Scandinavian heritage, Mary Ann opened her first import shop, Hjertehjem ("Home of the Heart"), in Baileys Harbor. She curated goods from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Austria, and Iceland, bringing Nordic craftsmanship and design to the Midwest.
In 1972, the family moved to Lake Forest, Illinois. Mary Ann continued growing her business, opening a second Hjertehjem location on Western Avenue in 1980. Over 42 years in business, she built a loyal following and became known for her impeccable taste, deep product knowledge, and gracious hospitality.
She was a fluent speaker of French and Spanish and knew enough German to negotiate with manufacturers and merchants across Europe. Mary Ann often traveled by train and ferry, favoring first-class accommodations on the rail system. Her patient and loving husband Jim was supportive of her business in many ways.
In the late 1970s, Mary Ann began researching the history of Baileys Harbor and the broader Door County region. She created videos and compiled extensive written histories, which she shared at town meetings and donated to the Baileys Harbor Historical Society and Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison, where they remain archived as part of the state's permanent historical record.
Mary Ann also enjoyed producing fashion shows at her Door County store, often featuring Jim, their dear friend Dan Meunier, and local community members as models. Her daughter Lisa and granddaughter Suzannah appeared in print advertisements in regional publications.
She maintained strong ties to her Scandinavian roots through cherished family travels to Denmark and Sweden with Jim, Lisa, Chris, and her grandson Erik to visit her European relatives.
Mary Ann was deeply involved in St. Olaf alumni life receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1978. She served as president of the St. Olaf College Alumni Club of Chicago from 1954 to 1999 and founded the Door County St. Olaf Alumni Club in 1988. The Door County club was a beloved fixture in Baileys Harbor's July 4th parade, marching with banners, songs, matching shirts, and returning to Hjertehjem for coffee and a giant "Um! Yah! Yah!" cake.
She led the Hirsch High School Alumni Association for many years, organizing memorable reunions at the Drake Hotel in Oak Brook and the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort.
In her final years, she resided in an assisted living facility in Waconia, MN, closer to her children.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, James H. Johnson, parents Edith and Oluf, sister LaVonne (George) Sullivan and brother James (Carol) Christensen. She is survived by her two children: Dr. Chris J. (Julie) Johnson of Minnetrista, MN, and Lisa A. Johnson of St. Anthony, MN. Lisa was the longtime owner of Lake Forest Photo & Digital before returning home to care for her mother in her final years.
She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Erik Johannes Maier of Gottingen, Germany, and Suzannah (Gabe) Johnson McAndrews of St. Paul, MN; her special cousin Darlene (Richard) Thorud; as well as extended family in the United States, Sweden, and Denmark.
Please share your stories and remembrances of Mary Ann with the family at [email protected]. A celebration of life is planned for a future date.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
- St. Olaf College Scholarship Fund, 1520 St. Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN
- Faith Lutheran Church, 680 W. Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045
- Phi Beta Kappa Association of the Chicago Area P.O. Box A3113, Chicago, IL 60690
- Baileys Harbor Historical Society, Toft House 8061 St Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
She was born on May 10, 1929, to Edith Skog, whose grandparents had immigrated from Sweden and settled in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, and Oluf Kristensen of Kolding, Denmark, who arrived in the United States in 1915 at the age of 18.
Mary Ann attended public schools in Chicago and graduated from Hirsch High School in 1947. She went on to earn her degree in History and Spanish from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, in 1951, graduating summa cum laude and as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society (Delta Chapter).
After college, she began her career in international trade, working for an import/export firm in Chicago. She traveled extensively throughout Mexico, Central and South America, sourcing imported goods and honing the global business and public relations skills that would shape her future.
Mary Ann married James H. Johnson, a handsome electrical engineer and businessman from South Bend, Indiana in November 1953. In 1959, Mary Ann, Jim, and their son Chris moved to Hinsdale, Illinois, where she became active in local civic life, including the Infant Welfare Society and other community organizations. Soon after, they welcomed daughter Lisa to the family.
The family adopted Door County, Wisconsin, as their summer retreat. In 1969, inspired by her Scandinavian heritage, Mary Ann opened her first import shop, Hjertehjem ("Home of the Heart"), in Baileys Harbor. She curated goods from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Austria, and Iceland, bringing Nordic craftsmanship and design to the Midwest.
In 1972, the family moved to Lake Forest, Illinois. Mary Ann continued growing her business, opening a second Hjertehjem location on Western Avenue in 1980. Over 42 years in business, she built a loyal following and became known for her impeccable taste, deep product knowledge, and gracious hospitality.
She was a fluent speaker of French and Spanish and knew enough German to negotiate with manufacturers and merchants across Europe. Mary Ann often traveled by train and ferry, favoring first-class accommodations on the rail system. Her patient and loving husband Jim was supportive of her business in many ways.
In the late 1970s, Mary Ann began researching the history of Baileys Harbor and the broader Door County region. She created videos and compiled extensive written histories, which she shared at town meetings and donated to the Baileys Harbor Historical Society and Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison, where they remain archived as part of the state's permanent historical record.
Mary Ann also enjoyed producing fashion shows at her Door County store, often featuring Jim, their dear friend Dan Meunier, and local community members as models. Her daughter Lisa and granddaughter Suzannah appeared in print advertisements in regional publications.
She maintained strong ties to her Scandinavian roots through cherished family travels to Denmark and Sweden with Jim, Lisa, Chris, and her grandson Erik to visit her European relatives.
Mary Ann was deeply involved in St. Olaf alumni life receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1978. She served as president of the St. Olaf College Alumni Club of Chicago from 1954 to 1999 and founded the Door County St. Olaf Alumni Club in 1988. The Door County club was a beloved fixture in Baileys Harbor's July 4th parade, marching with banners, songs, matching shirts, and returning to Hjertehjem for coffee and a giant "Um! Yah! Yah!" cake.
She led the Hirsch High School Alumni Association for many years, organizing memorable reunions at the Drake Hotel in Oak Brook and the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort.
In her final years, she resided in an assisted living facility in Waconia, MN, closer to her children.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, James H. Johnson, parents Edith and Oluf, sister LaVonne (George) Sullivan and brother James (Carol) Christensen. She is survived by her two children: Dr. Chris J. (Julie) Johnson of Minnetrista, MN, and Lisa A. Johnson of St. Anthony, MN. Lisa was the longtime owner of Lake Forest Photo & Digital before returning home to care for her mother in her final years.
She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Erik Johannes Maier of Gottingen, Germany, and Suzannah (Gabe) Johnson McAndrews of St. Paul, MN; her special cousin Darlene (Richard) Thorud; as well as extended family in the United States, Sweden, and Denmark.
Please share your stories and remembrances of Mary Ann with the family at [email protected]. A celebration of life is planned for a future date.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
- St. Olaf College Scholarship Fund, 1520 St. Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN
- Faith Lutheran Church, 680 W. Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045
- Phi Beta Kappa Association of the Chicago Area P.O. Box A3113, Chicago, IL 60690
- Baileys Harbor Historical Society, Toft House 8061 St Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
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