Marcella "Marcy" Johnson

Marcella "Marcy" Johnson, a respected and admired member of the Anoka community, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at the age of 102. Born on April 29, 1923, at home in Nowthen, MN, Marcy dedicated her life to loving her family and cherishing her roots.

As a child in rural Minnesota, Marcy had an adventurous spirit, spending her days on the farm making mud pies and cakes, often using farm-fresh eggs—until her mother noticed the chickens seemed to be laying fewer. Everywhere she looked, the farm became a place to explore and play, full of little adventures. Growing up, she took great joy in her German heritage, eagerly learning the customs, alphabet, and traditions passed down from her mother.

An accomplished baker and seamstress, Marcy won numerous prizes at the Anoka County Fair, showcasing her skills in cake baking, decorating, knitting, and sewing. Alongside her sister Martha, she represented Anoka County in a music contest, singing in perfect two-part harmony. Over the years, she enjoyed painting, bringing landscapes to life on canvas. Her talents extended beyond the arts—she attended Twin Cities Business School, where she honed her shorthand skills and earned a pin for an impressive 140 words per minute!

Marcy’s life was deeply rooted in Anoka County, with the exception of her time at Camp McCain in Mississippi, where she joined her husband, Bob, during his service in World War II. She often said her favorite home was the one on Benton Street in Anoka, proudly noting, “All of my children lived there.” Being a mother was the role she cherished above all else.

Marcy enjoyed traveling, but nothing meant more to her than leading Girl Scout Troop 25 on a memorable adventure to Mexico. The bonds formed in that troop endured for a lifetime, with many troop members staying in touch and even attending her 100th birthday celebration. As one member recently wrote, “YOU, Marcy, were a calming, orderly presence at our side as we grew from childhood to young adulthood. You could not have known the depth of the positive influence you had on our lives.”

Marcy is survived by her sons, Brian and Alan; her daughters-in-law, Mary Rae, Suzanne, and Diana; ten grandchildren, numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She delighted in her grandchildren and always loved hearing about their careers, adventures, accomplishments, and the goodness in their hearts. Remarkably, she remembered every detail about them until the very end.

She was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Bob Johnson; her beloved daughter, Janice Grieser; her tight-knit siblings, Ida Schwab, Paul Sodman, Norman Sodman, and Martha Hitzeman.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Marcy’s remarkable life at Zion Lutheran Church Chapel on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m., and concluding with a light meal.

Marcy's was a life well-lived. Though she enjoyed many wonderful years, we will forever miss this remarkable person. In the end, we are all stories. Thank you, Mom, Grandma/Gammy, aunt, cousin, and friend, for making yours one we will always remember.

We, the family, wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to Danielle, Doreen, and Darlene (the D Squad) at Vivie (Walker Plaza), Pastor Sue at Zion Lutheran Church, Allina Hospice, and the devoted family and friends who, like angels, faithfully visited and supported her throughout her many years. Memorials preferred to Zion Lutheran Church, a place and community dear to Marcy’s heart. Click here if you wish to donate to Zion.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
2:00 Visitation / 3:00 Service / 3:30 light meal
Zion Lutheran Church Chapel / 1601 S. 4th Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota