Marlene K. Johnston

Marlene Kay Johnston, 79, passed peacefully on January 27th at her home in Circle Pines, MN, surrounded by family. 

Marlene was born in Drayton, North Dakota, to Bert and Edna Lund. Her family later moved to Menomonie, WI, where she graduated from Menomonie High School. She met her husband, Ronald Johnston, in high school, and the two married in 1964, beginning 61 years of partnership and devotion. After a brief time in San Diego, CA, they settled in Circle Pines, MN, where they raised their two sons, Neil and Curtis, and built a community of lifelong friends. 

While her children were young, Marlene worked a variety of jobs, always gravitating toward roles that allowed her to connect with people. As her boys grew more independent, she began a long and meaningful career at Deluxe Check in Shoreview, MN. She started in proofreading and, through dedication and talent, advanced into managerial, training, and human resources roles. After her time at Deluxe, she continued her work in H.R. as a generalist and trainer at Pentair. She retired in 2011 to spend more time with family and friends, though her love of people brought her to a part-time role at the local Walmart during her retirement years.

 Marlene loved the outdoors—camping, downhill skiing, and later, fishing with Ron on their live-aboard boat, Salsa Diablo. Some of her most cherished moments were spent on Lake Superior in Port Wing, WI, listening to the waves and exploring the shoreline, beaches, forests, and wildlife. She was a fierce ally, a loyal friend, and a devoted family member. Her laughter and can-do spirit were guiding lights for those around her, reminding everyone to keep their chin up, lead with their heart, and fiercely protect the people they love. 

She was a loving and doting grandmother to Linnea, Liam, Kyle, Andrew, Jordan, and Cheyenne, and a proud great-grandmother to Jazmyne, Odell, Sofia, Gianna, Ivyonna, Xayleah, and Lucianna. Marlene is survived by her husband Ronald; son Neil (wife Kirstin, children Linnea, Liam); daughter-in-law Tammy (children Jordan, Cheyenne, Andrew); grandson Kyle; brother Daryl; sister Eloise; and many nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her son, Curtis; sister, Melody; parents, Bert and Edna; and nieces, Kim and Tina. 

A celebration of Marlene’s life is being planned, with details to be shared at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~