Marlene Mavis Johnson

Please go to United Lutheran Church Facebook page to watch a live feed of the service.

Marlene M. Johnson, 89 of Grand Forks, North Dakota died Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Valley Senior Living, Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Marlene was born the daughter of Oscar and Alice (Moe) Mork in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She was raised in Petersburg, North Dakota and graduated from Petersburg High School. Marlene worked as a reservationist for the airlines in Kansas City, Missouri before attending UND, where she received a bachelor’s degree. She was a teacher in Reynolds, North Dakota for a few years until moving to Minneapolis to attend Dayton’s management training program.

Marlene returned to Grand Forks and was united in marriage to Willis Peterson on November 29, 1963, at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. She worked as the Director of Girl Scouts, until becoming the Director of Volunteer Services at United Hospital and Altru Hospital. Marlene held the position for many years until her retirement. Willis passed away in 2004.

Marlene married Curtis Johnson on May 17, 2008, at United Lutheran Church. They were able to enjoy their retirement years together. They spent their winters in Gold Canyon, Arizona. 

Marlene was a longtime member of United Lutheran Church and had a very strong faith. She enjoyed the arts, shopping, wintering in Arizona, antiquing with Curt and enjoyed caring for her cats.

Marlene is survived by her brother, Odean Mork; stepchildren, Craig (Michele) Johnson, Daniel (Victoria) Johnson and Kristen (James) Jennings; eight grandchildren, Samuel, Rebekah, Eli, Hannah, Isaac, Sarah, Brandon and Abigail; nieces, Cindy (Peter Moore) Traub and Collette Mork; nephews, Randy Mork and Phil (Rachel) Mork; additional nieces and nephews of Willis and Marlene and also numerous great nieces and nephews, cousins and special cousins since childhood, Marlys Moen and Bev Gilbertson.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, infant twin siblings, Donald and Donna, first husband, Willis, second husband, Curtis (2019) and sister-in-law, Delaine Mork.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024, at United Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, North Dakota. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024, at United Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, North Dakota.