Marvin Johnson of Stanley passed away on April 29, 2024 at the Mountrail County Medical Center, Stanley. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, selfless servitude and enduring love (with a touch of humor), that will be cherished by all who knew him.
Marvin was born on November 6, 1936 to Palmer and Mabel (Belseth) Johnson of Palermo, ND. He joined siblings Odin, Selmer, Raynold, Ethel, and Carol. Siblings Bev and Gene completed the family.
Marvin attended the Diamond School, rural Belden, and was confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Palermo. He was employed at the Sanitation Department in Riverdale before returning home to help with the family farm, taking it over in 1962.
On April 7, 1957, Marvin was united in marriage to Geraine (Schultz) in Hartland, and they made their home on the family farm in Palermo. To this union they had five children: Wayne, Debbie, Lori, Renee and Dana. In 1983-84 they hosted a foreign exchange student, Carla Cobal, whom they also considered a daughter. They worked hard on the farm raising beef, pigs, sheep, chickens and grains. They also ran a dairy operation for 25 years. Many cherished memories were made by getting together often with family, friends and neighbors.
Marvin and Geraine were able to enjoy trips with family & friends to Florida, Mexico City, Hawaii and Tennessee, as well as cruises along the Mexican and Alaskan coasts. They also enjoyed many excursions to the casinos in Las Vegas.
Marvin was in his element when he could help out his family, neighbors and friends, never expecting anything in return. Even after undergoing multiple back surgeries, he never slowed down and always wanted to do for himself. He was extremely proud that the family farm is being passed down to future generations.
Marvin is survived by his wife of 67 years, Geraine; son, Wayne (Carol) of Palermo; daughters, Lori Johnson of Stanley, Renee Grinolds of Palermo and Dana (John) Daily of Mandan; grandchildren, Monica (Bill) Sem, Kristal (David) Schaaf, Mandi (Dustin) Tarasen, Sarah Brewer, Kari (Austin) Henderson, Travis Johnson, Ciji Gehrke, Heather Johnson and Zachary (Jessika) Johnson; 20 great grandchildren, numerous step grand and great grandchildren; sister, Beverly Ward; brothers-in-law, Kenny Schultz and David Hayer; sister-in-law, Joan Thames; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; siblings, Odin (Bernice), Selmer (Lila), Raynold (Eva), Ethel (Reuben) Dzaber, Carol (Claire) Nichols, Gene Johnson, and infant sister Myrtle; brother-in-law, Dewey Ward; daughter, Debbie; son-in-law, Kim Grinolds; grandson, Monte Johnson; and granddaughter, Jamie Grinolds.
Thank You
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to the Palermo Cemetery Fund or to Farm Rescue.
Darcia Pederson Karsen
(Culbertson , Montana )
May 1, 2024
Cheryl Simpson
(Ray, ND)
May 2, 2024
Joan Thames
(Tacoma, Washington)
May 2, 2024
Billy & Janice Greenlee
(Berthold, North Dakota )
May 3, 2024