Marilyn C. Johnson "Marze” age 83, of Alexandria, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Alex Assisted Living in Alexandria.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 13, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Interment will take place at Kinkead Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., on Thursday, March 12, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Marilyn Carol was born on September 5, 1942, to Clarence and Almyra (Jackson) Ofstedal in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She was one of eight children and was raised with her family in Grand Forks until the family moved to Alexandria in 1950. She continued her education in Alexandria schools and was among the first graduating class of Jefferson High School in 1960. After school, she went to work at Fingerhut and, after an introduction at a friend’s wedding, met James “Jim” Johnson. The couple wed on September 11, 1960, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. They started their family shortly after and rented a small cabin on Lake Cowdry with no running water—a small but memorable chapter in the couple’s life. They later moved back into town before eventually settling on the Johnson family homestead. Marilyn provided daycare while raising her children. It was through daycare that she was offered the opportunity to work at Alexandria Technical College. Her skills as a mother and caregiver translated quickly at the college, where she became the Student Center Manager, often referred to by students as “Mom.” Her kindness and steady presence impacted countless students during her career before she retired. After retirement, Marilyn and Jim traveled extensively, played golf, volunteered with hospice, and were active members of the Cottage Grove Campground Association on Lake Andrew, where they lived during the summer months in their camper. In her spare time, she was an avid bowler, competing in national tournaments, and enjoyed reading, crafting and working through sewing craft kits, completing puzzles, and visiting casinos, where she was often lucky. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary 963. “Grandma Marze,” as she was known by her grandchildren, was an active part of their lives—attending sporting events, dance recitals, and preparing meals when they came to visit. She was devoted to her faith and was an active member of First Lutheran Church. Her greatest accomplishment was her family, and her devotion and love for them continue to be reflected in the legacy she and Jim created. “Grandma Marze,” as she was known by her grandchildren, was an active part of their lives—attending sporting events, dance recitals, and preparing meals when they came to visit. She was devoted to her faith and was an active member of First Lutheran Church. Her greatest accomplishment was her family, and her devotion and love for them continue to be reflected in the legacy she and Jim created.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Steven Johnson; grandson, Brian Neudecker; brothers, Stanley, Ronald, Gerald, and Roger Ofstedal; and sisters, Maureen “Beanie” Geris and Marlyce Anderson.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jim; two daughters, Julie (Mike) Neudecker of Redwood Falls and Jodi (Curt) Bitzan of Alexandria; sister, Mary (Daniel) Hjelm of Holmes City; grandchildren, Rachael Neudecker, Dustin (Lacey) Neudecker, Nicole (Jason) Berry, Ashley (Scott) Iverson, and Aaron (Samantha) Bitzan; great-grandchildren, Taylor (Jake), Aedyn, Brileigh, Alexia, Emese, Carli, Woniya, Mush-Teh, Skuya, Kallen, Kaven, Bronx, Ivan, Isla, Eva, Sterling, Sylvia, and Myra; great-great-grandchildren, Brexton, Oakleigh, Breylan; along with a host of extended family and friends.

Serving as Casket bearers will be Dustin Neudecker, Aaron Bitzan, Scott Iverson, Jason Berry, Bruce Peterson, Curt Flesner, Chad Dircks, Dylan Larson