Marjorie V Johnson

Marjorie Violet Johnson, known affectionately as Marge, passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on May 15, 1932, in Amherst Township, Fillmore County, Minnesota, to Harry and Hilda McKay, she and her twin sister Marilyn were the youngest of seven children. Marge graduated from Harmony High School in 1950 after attending O’Hara Country School. It was during shared school bus rides that she met the love of her life, Adrian Johnson. They married on November 22, 1952, and shared a loving marriage of 73 years.

Marge devoted her career to the medical field, beginning at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester after high school. After moving to Silver Bay, she worked at the Silver Bay Clinic in the Northshore Building until its closure, and later at the Bay Area Medical Clinic until her retirement in 1993. In retirement, she and Adrian spent winters in Apache Junction, Arizona, where they enjoyed hiking, square dancing, and playing cards. They also volunteered at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. In Silver Bay, Marge was an active member of Sychar Lutheran Church, always ready to lend a helping hand. She took great pleasure in gardening, canning, and making her famous donuts and lefse, with her canned potatoes a cherished favorite among family.

Known for her kindness, generosity, and independent spirit, Marge lived life fully and on her own terms until the end. She is survived by her daughter Gail (Bruce) Smith, son Forrest (Jane Foster) Johnson, and son-in-law Keith Mickelson. She also leaves behind six grandchildren—Andrea (Max) Flippin, Melissa Smith, Sara (Aaron) Lassila, Brian “Bud” (Ali) Mickelson, Brent (Laurissa) Mickelson, and Dylan (Janelle) Johnson—and thirteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Adrian, who passed away on December 31, 2025; her daughter Becky Mickelson; her parents, Harry and Hilda McKay; and her siblings Chester, Phyllis, Frances, Donna, Harriet, and her twin sister Marilyn.