Mary Lou Johnson

Mary Lou Johnson
September 25, 1932 – August 13, 2023
Mary Lou Johnson, formerly of Makinen, MN passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023 at
Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Virginia, MN. Mary Lou was born in Bennett, WI on
September 25, 1932 to Carl and Ethel (Thoorsell) Carlson.
After graduation from high school in Superior, WI Mary Lou worked as a medical
secretary for a Superior clinic. Mary Lou married the love of her life, Irving Johnson on
July 20, 1953. They were about to celebrate 68 years of marriage at Irving’s passing in
2021. In 1960, Irving and Mary Lou moved to Makinen, where Mary Lou and her
community friends supported their husbands in forming the Volunteer Fire Department
ladies auxiliary (Sparkettes) and building the Town Hall. Mary Lou enjoyed the Friday
night bowling league for many years. She was a gardener, baker, and loved to sew and
collect dolls, even being featured on television for a story about her collection! She was
a faithful wife, dutiful mom, and friend to many. She always ensured her husband and
children had not only a good house but, a place to proudly call home. “The coffee is on”
was a frequent line she and her friends would recite to each other.
Mary Lou and Irving were Winter Texans for many years in Alamo, TX where they
enjoyed close friendships, card games and banter. A hamburger, Taco Tuesday and soup
night were always on the schedule.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Irving, parents Carl and Ethel, sister
Myrle White aka “Sis”, brothers-in-law Stuart White, Delbert Johnson and Jack Lindelof.
Mary Lou gave life to she and Irving’s first born child Steven Johnson (spouse Holly,
children Wesley and Kristen); She is survived by her children Linda (Robert)
Schrautemyer, Meadowlands, MN Scott Johnson (Kathleen Tybor) Eagan, MN; Dan
Johnson Canyon, MN; brother Richard (Judy) Carlson; sister-in-law Joyce Johnson;
grandchildren, Amanda Yeater, Mary (Bryan) Kivi, Emily Johnson, and great-
grandchildren Jay, Eli, Brett, Bruce, Diana, Tenley and Nico. Her many nieces and
nephews always knew her as “Aunt Mary Lou”.
Special thanks to Mary Lou’s caregivers, especially daughter Linda for putting her
parents first and comforting Mary Lou during her last breath of a full and wonderful life.
The surviving family of Irving and Mary Lou invite you to join them for a graveside service at the Northland Cemetery 7563 Highway 133 Canyon, MN on August 28th at 11:00 AM.  Military honors will be held at the cemetery in honor of Irving.  A luncheon and celebration of Mary Lou’s life will follow immediately afterwards in Cotton.
Please leave an online message of condolence at: www.doughertyofhibbing.com .