Mary Ellen Johnson

Mary Ellen Johnson was born on September 9, 1931 in Lake Crystal, Minnesota to Clifford and Blanche (Elkins) Johnson. Mary was the second of six children. At a young age, she went to live with her grandparents, Joseph and Ellen (Cochran) Johnson. She returned to her parents’ farm in rural Lake Crystal in 1947 when her grandmother Ellen was taken with cancer. In 1951, she went to the Faribault State Hospital. She then moved to a group home in St Peter, Minnesota for a short time. In 1983, she moved to Therese K. Sexton group home in North Mankato, Minnesota. Mary enjoyed listening to music, going to the “mini mall,” and watching some of her favorite game shows.

Mary Ellen passed on December 16, 2019 surrounded by her caring staff.

Mary Ellen is survived by her staff at home; her sister, Virginia (Bob) Woodcock of Lake Preston South Dakota; brother, Keith (Mary Jacobson) of Lake Crystal; brother-in-law, Phil Hoehn of Lake Crystal; sister-in-law, Doris (Calvin) Johnson of Lake Crystal.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Blanche (Elkins) Johnson; brother, Marlyn and his wife, Bona (Larson) Johnson; sister, Patricia Hoehn; brother, Calvin Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be held at 11am, Friday, January 3, 2020 at Lake Crystal Cemetery. A dessert reception will follow at Messiah Lutheran Church in North Mankato.