Marian G. Johnson

"Allow the light and the healing presence of Christ to shine brightly through your lives. In that way, all those who come in contact with you will discover the loving kindness of God"     ~ St. Pope John Paul II

Marian G. (Zeppenfeld) Johnson 95 of Rockford, IL, passed away July 7, 2025.

Marian was born and raised in Ironwood, Michigan, the daughter of William M. and Frances (Bruno) Zeppenfeld. She married Charles Fabian Johnson and moved to Manitowish Waters, WI where she raised her family and managed their resort “Johnson’s Tuckaway Lodge”.

Marian held numerous careers she was extremely proud of including: Telephone operator at Michigan Bell School Bus Operator at North Lakeland Elementary School, Instructed a Christmas Decorating Class at Nicolet College Rhinelander WI, Department Store Manager at Charles A Stevens, The Antique Mall, and Van Galder Bus Terminal, Rockford, ILL. Marian was devoted to her catholic faith serving as a member of the Alter Society and volunteering her time for community outreach, tabled events, and making donuts on Saturdays at Our Lady Queen Of Peace Catholic Church In Manitowish Waters WI. She later attended St. Rita’s and Holy Family Church in Rockford ILL. Her personality was unmatched. She was witty, energetic and well spoken. Marian was a woman of style and loved making a fashion statement. Her collection of hats and jewelry was always on point. One of Marian’s many special talents and hobbies was crocheting rag rugs for her dear friends and relatives.

Those left to honor Marian’s memory include her children, Charles (Judy) Johnson, Mimi (Kelly) Fagan, Cecile (Bruce) Handrick and Leanne (Jeff) Rutten; grandchildren, Jamie (Sean) Faust, Jessie (Clay) Perry, Tyler (Jaime) Fagan, Josh (Aimee) Fagan, Korisa (Colin) Good and Tia (Colter) Stewart; great-grandchildren, Peyton and Brayden Faust, Nora Perry, Gianna and Addie Fagan, Braley and Kingston Fagan, Maximus and Quinn Good, Murdoc and Gerty Stewart. Marian is also survived by her sister, Grace Sabransky of Chardon, Ohio as well as her many special friends including Elsie Carlsen, Larry Lisle, Marietta Horn, Barbara St. Clair, Susan Dean, Nadine Krigbaum, Karen Biasen, MaryAnn Michaelis and Ana, her “helper”. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband, Charles Fabian Johnson and her brother-in-law, Richard Sabransky.

A Catholic Memorial Mass will be held in Marian's honor at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Rockford, IL. She will be placed to rest with her husband, Chuck at a later date in Pine Lawn Cemetery, Manitowish Waters, WI. 

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