Marjorie “Midge” Johnson, age 92, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Sunday, August 16, 2020, Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall. Memorial Services are Saturday, August 29, 2020, at Christ United Presbyterian Church in Marshall. Interment will follow in the Marshall cemetery. Visitation, open to the public, will be held one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2020, also at the church. Occupancy limits and social distancing must be observed throughout all services. Masks are currently required at all public indoor gatherings.
Marjorie Jean Nielsen was born to Niels and Myrtle (Larson) Nielsen on December 12, 1927, in Arco, Minnesota. She began her education in a country school near Arco through the 8th grade, attended Arco High School for 9th and 10th grade, and then was a 1945 graduate of Ivanhoe High School. Midge was baptized and confirmed in her faith at Bethany Lutheran Church in Arco. On January 12, 1947, Midge was united in marriage to Norwood “Johnny” Johnson at Bethany Lutheran Church in Arco. The couple made their home in Marshall. Norwood preceded her in death on May 13, 1990, after 43 years of marriage.
Midge had many good qualities, she was nurturing, dedicated, determined, positive, and optimistic. All of these qualities helped Midge become a wonderful mom and homemaker. Midge also worked for 19 years at JC Penny, working in fabrics, and then sales, and ultimately as the catalog supervisor before her retirement in 1985.
Midge was an active member of Christ United Presbyterian Church for many years, long-time member of both the Ivanhoe and Marshall bowling leagues, several card clubs, and was a regular volunteer at the Marshall Senior Center. Her other enjoyments in life included, baking, cooking, holding babies, crocheting, following the Minnesota Twins, playing games or a hand of cards, and being with loving family and friends. Many family memories were made at the lake cabin on Norway Lake, just outside of Willmar.
Midge is survived by her children, Connan “Con” (Nancy Jamnick) Johnson of Virginia, Cheryl (Daryle) Friedrichs of Marshall, Marcia Oemichen of Eden Prairie; 7 grandchildren, Tamara (Dave) Colgan of Ghent, Thomas (Laura) Johnson of Clinton, Terri (Ed) Schu of Maple Grove, Dawn Friedrichs of Marshall, Daryl Todd Friedrichs of Minneota, Chad (Melissa) Friedrichs of Minneota, Megan (Chris) Whichello of Maple Grove; 11 great-grandchildren with another one on the way; along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and family.
Midge was preceded in death by her parents, Niels and Myrtle; husband, Norwood; grandson, Matt Oemichen; and siblings, Lucille Eide and Darwin “Buzz” Nielsen.