Mary L. Johnson

Mary Johnson: Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother

Mary was born in Red Wing to Ed and Eva Engeldinger on April 25, 1917. The third of eight children, she grew up in West End and married Fred Johnson on May 13, 1939. Mary and Fred enjoyed a beautiful marriage and friendship that lasted until Fred's death 65 years later. Like their parents before them, both were lifelong members of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Mary involved herself with a number of activities that supported the church's mission. They had two children, Judith and Fred, Jr., who each married Red Wing high school classmates, Burt Will and Diane Martenson. Mary and Fred had four grandchildren, Scott (Theresa) Will, Michael (Curt Schultz) Will, Jeffrey (Constance) Will and Sara (Dan Arlandson) Will and five great-grandchildren, Zachary, Lauren, Lydia, Camille and Juliann Will. Mary and Fred took great pleasure from a warm, loving relationship with their children, son-in-law and daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She remained close to her Engeldinger siblings throughout her life: Grace, Genevieve, Walter "Bud" and Lyle, who preceded her in death; Betty, Edward and Donald survive. Mary's many nieces and nephews were very special to her and she took an active interest in their lives. In later years niece Lois Johnson Veith provided friendship and support, taking her on regular outings that Mary loved. In their five decades on 12th Street, Mary and Fred had many close neighbors, including their children, whose friendships they treasured-the Galvins, Rigelmans, Massetts, Bodelsons, Meyers, Larkins, and Stromquists among them. Mary and Fred traveled regularly, visiting 49 of the 50 states and making two extended tours of Europe. Mary enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing bridge and collecting antiques. She lived at St. Brigid's at Hi Park for the past five years where she built many friendships. The staff became like family to her. Mary's family deeply respects St. Brigid's staff and the constant, consistent and supportive care they provided. Mary died on July 18 at age 94. She loved life, and had a great one. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, East Avenue and Fourth Street in Red Wing, Thursday morning, July 21, at 11. A visitation with family members is scheduled at St. Paul's prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials are preferred to St. Paul's Lutheran Church youth fund, St. Brigid's at Hi-Park Foundation or Red Wing PFLAG.