Marjorie Johnson

VISITATION:

9-11 a.m. on Friday, November 20 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel

SERVICE:

11 a.m. on Friday, November 20 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel

Marjorie Lee Johnson left this world with the love of Jesus in her heart, dignity and grace on November 16, 2015, leaving a legacy of love to her family and all who knew her. Marj was born on April 16, 1921 and died 94 years and 7 months to the day later.Isn't that interesting. Family and friends will miss her warm smiles, hugs, sense of humor, and her gentle nature. Marj seemed to love everyone, accepting each person regardless of faults or shortcomings. Her non-judgmental attitude blessed all who knew her.

Marj was born to LeRoy Harvard and Grace (Wiles) Bales but lived much of her youth with her grandparents, Bessie and William Wiles, in the Island Lake areabutgraduated from Whitewater High School.

Marj married Robert S. Johnson on March 19, 1942 residing in the Island Lake area until their divorce in 1967. During that time she raised 5 children: Dean (Anne Marie) Johnson, Lucille Krechioh, Robert E. (Caye) Johnson, William (Louise) Johnson and Kris (Dave) Martineau. She wasemployed in Ladysmith at Hinshaw Shoe Store and laterthe Island Lake Grocery store. Her first paycheck was used to buy her children fishing poles, which were used to fish with their Uncle Archie and Aunt Mary when they came to visit.

Whileher younger daughter finished high school in Chippewa Falls, Marj worked in retail and the Chippewa Falls Public Library. She then returned to school becoming a Dental Assistant. Most of her career was spent with the WI Department of Corrections, working in minimum to maximum security facilities until her retirement in 1988. She moved back to Chippewa Falls to be closer to family.

Marj loved children and children seemed to be drawn to her. She filledmuch of herfree timebeing surrounded by children. She taught Sunday School at the Island Lake Church of Christ, was the Sunday School Superintendent, coordinated Vacation Bible School and Youth Group activities. After retirement she helped many young working families instill sound moral values to children she cared for. She loved her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Because she was always so physically fit and active, it wasn't unusual for her to go rollerskating, sledding, or go for long walks with them well into her 60's and 70's. She loved to get down on the floor and play anything they wanted to play, have picnics on the floor during winter months, and just spoil them. She is probably watching over God's little angels in heaven and having the time of her life.

Marj stayed fit by teaching line dancing, leading aerobic exercise and volunteering in her community. She was a hospice and bereavement volunteer for St Joseph's Hospice, the Chippewa Blood Mobile, volunteered at RCU and at her church.

Marj surprised and delighted family and friends when she was in her 80's, buying a harmonica and playing any song anyone requested. Her children had heard stories of her playing the guitar and harmonica when she was a youngster but didn't realize what talent she still had. Boy, could she make that thing sing, and talk about breath support -she could play one song after another until the last few months of her life. As a family we had many great sing-alongs as she played with other family musicians. What great memories. Music was always one of her favorite things to do throughout her life.

Marj is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; 3 brothers, Don Bales, William Chatfield, and Everett King; and 1 sister Hetta King.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 20 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, 44 E. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls with Rev. David Willingham officiating. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 9 a.m. Interment will be at 3 p.m.at Island Lake Cemetery, Island Lake, Wisconsin.