Marlene Johnson, 63, died Saturday, February 15, 2003 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 19, 2003, 11:00 AM, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls with Reverend Terri Cuppett Officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery at Thief River Falls.

Visitation will be 5 " 8 PM Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at the Johnson Green Funeral Home in Thief River Falls and also one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Marlene Berdell Hanson was born December 22, 1939 at Mercy Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN daughter of Odin and Manda (Klemmetson) Hanson. She was baptized by Rev. E.O. Sabo and confirmed by Rev. Raymond Brandt at Silverton Lutheran Church rural Thief River Falls. She attended Reed School District #29 four years and Silverton School District #42 four years. Marlene graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls in 1957. She attended classes at Northland College in Thief River Falls receiving shorthand, computer and other secretarial credits. She worked for a short time for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a telephone operator, then worked at the Pennington County Extension Office as secretary, worked for School District #564 as an educational assistant and most recently worked for Digi Key Corporation.

On June 1, 1968 Marlene was united in marriage to Curtis Johnson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls by Rev. Reuben A. Wangberg. The couple farmed in Rocksbury Twp.

Marlene was a member of St. Pauli Lutheran Church where she was a Sunday School Teacher, youth group leader and served as Church Council Treasurer and various offices with the church Women Organization. She had been a member of the Pennington County Homemakers and served as a 4-H leader, Girl Scout Leader, PTA officer, Band Boosters Association and past member of the Thief River Falls Curling Club.

Marlene was survived by husband Curtis Johnson, Thief River Falls, two daughters Susanne (Jody) Hinrichs, Brainerd, MN; Jana Johnson, Crystal, MN; a son Paul (Heather) Johnson, Eden Prairie, MN: three grandchildren Madeline and Emelia Hinrichs and Owen Johnson; one sister Violet (Lester) Muzzy and brother Clayton Hanson both Thief River Falls. Preceded in death by parents Odin and Manda Hanson.