Marlys Johnson, age 92, of Marshall, Minnesota, died under the care of hospice on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Heritage Pointe Senior Living in Marshall. Funeral Services are 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Living Word Church in Marshall, Minnesota. A luncheon will then be held at the church, followed by interment in the Marshall Cemetery. Visitation will be held hour prior to her celebration, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30, also at the church. The Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall is handling the arrangements.
Marlys Minnie Thormodson was born in New Ulm, Minnesota, on July 6, 1933, to Hiram and Hazel (Splinter) Thormodson. She was baptized and confirmed at Linden Lutheran Church. She grew up on a farm near Hanska, Minnesota, and attended country school before graduating from Madelia High School with the class of 1951. Marlys went on to earn an LPN degree from the School of Practical Nursing in New Ulm in 1952. She then worked at Union Hospital in New Ulm as a nurse. As much as she cherished her career in nursing, it turned out to be short-lived. Marlys and her nursing school friends loved to attend dances at area ballrooms. One evening, at New Ulm’s George’s Ballroom, she caught the eye of a young man who was a farmer in the Klossner area, Raymond Johnson, Jr. After more ballroom dates and a short courtship, Marlys and Ray were united in marriage on June 23, 1956, at Linden Lutheran Church and Marlys settled into the role of wife, and soon, mother. They continued farming for a few years until Ray ventured into the world of aviation. This path took them briefly to Sleepy Eye, then Tracy and finally the Marshall area where they set about developing a vibrant aviation business. The couple raised five children and shared over 61 years of marriage together. Marlys was proud to manage the home and family then later moved into the role of managing the family business, Midwest Aviation. Throughout their life together, Ray and Marlys were active in the Church. At Tracy Lutheran Church, they began seeding their children with a strong faith, then continued their nurturing at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Marshall. In 2016 they became charter members of Living Word Lutheran Church – several times offering their home for Sunday morning worship as the fledgling church started out. Marlys was always active in church activities and constantly sought out ways to live out her faith. Marlys greatly enjoyed opening her home to friends and family – gladly hosting gatherings, large and small. She also found great satisfaction in cooking healthy food, baking, soaking up the sunshine, swimming, or sneaking chocolate from her secret stash to satisfy her sweet tooth. Marlys will be remembered as kind and grateful with a gentle smile, always expressing sincere gratitude to her children and family and those who cared for her in later years. Her faith was her passion which she lived out in her commitment to daily devotion and prayer.
Marlys Johnson died peacefully on March 17, 2026, in Marshall, Minnesota. She reached the age of 92 years, 8 months, and 11 days. Blessed be her memory.
She is survived by her 5 children, Melanie Johnson (Ken Sporre) of St. James, Melissa (and Dave) Werpy of Miltona, Ross Johnson of Stillwater, Paul (and Jenell) Johnson of Dayton, Peter (and Lynne) Johnson of Lynd; 10 grandchildren, Tiffany (and Lucus) Sandbo, Ashley (and Bob) Gohr, Seth (and Nezhel) Werpy, Jonas (and Betsy) Werpy, Andrea (and Adam) Walstrom, Antonio Delfino (and Taylor Thorberg), Jennifer (and Zach) Palmberg, Eric Johnson, Abby Johnson, Natalie Johnson; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings, Sharon (and Charles) Helling of Beltsville, MD; Alan (and Carol) Thormodson of Hanska; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Marlys is preceded in death by her parents, Hiram & Hazel Thormodson, and her husband, Ray Johnson.
