Marilynn Jeanette Gunderson Johnson was born to Clarence Bernard Gunderson and Ella Julia Hansen Gunderson on the family farm in Cedar County, Nebraska on July 19, 1930. After a diagnosis of cancer, she joined her heavenly father on March 13, 2021 at 90 years young.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00AM on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Beresford, SD.  Visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Thursday, March 18 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.  The family request that in lieu of flowers, please give memorials to Centerville Care and Rehab, Ava's House, or Emmanuel Lutheran Church.  Please follow all Covid-19 guidelines. Services will be livestreamed on facebook - Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Beresford, SD.

Upon the death of her father, Clarence, in August of 1931, Marilynn and her mother, Ella, moved to South Dakota. In January 1932, her sister Claretta Bernadine Gunderson, was born. While the small family of three lived with Ella's parents, Marilynn attended Rockfield Country School for 3 years, walking about 3 miles each way. In 1939, Ella moved her family to Vermillion where the girls attended school. While in high school, Marilynn was interested in sports, vocal and instrumental music. She never felt like she was good at any, but enjoyed trying. Marilynn graduated from Vermillion High School in 1948. She then moved to Beresford where she was employed at Bruellers Drug. Marilynn attended Nettleton Business School in Sioux City after which she worked at American Popcorn Co. After 7 years, she moved back to Beresford where she was employed at Beresford Co-op. In 1974, she was employed by the City of Beresford as the Finance Officer until her retirement.

Marilynn was married to John W. Johnson Jr. in July of 1960. Marilynn and John had three children and lived in Beresford all their married life. They were members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church where Marilynn was associated with Sunday School. After her retirement, she was able to serve on the church council and was an officer in the WELCA. Marilynn was also active in VFW Auxillary and American Legion Auxillary.

In March 2013, she had an accident and was not able to return to her home. She then very happily resided at Centerville Care and Rehab Center in Centerville, SD since that time. During her time there, she participated in many of the group activities. Bingo became one of her favorites!

Marilynn loved cooking and baking and made a mean potato salad. She would even make two separate batches to make sure those that did not like onions would be able to enjoy as well. Marilynn loved to entertain when she was at her home in Beresford, and hosted many holiday functions. All were welcome in Marilynn's home.

Marilynn is survived by her three children, Craig A Johnson and his wife, Karen, of Glendale, AZ, Linda Anderson and her husband, Keith, of Sioux Falls, SD, Richard Johnson of Centerville, SD; and her granddaughter Kelsey Leafstedt and her husband, Nick, of Sioux Falls, SD. Marilynn is also survived by two beautiful great-grandsons, Jake and Luca, who she adored and lit up her world.

Marilynn surrounded herself with family every chance she could. She is loved and will be missed by not only her children, but also three generations of nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband John, her parents, Clarence and Ella Gunderson, her sister Claretta and her brother-in-law, Whitey and two nephews, Larry and Jeff.