Columbia City High School
Alumni Database
HOME * = Has Email ** = Deceased

Tips for Entering Your Profile 
ADD A NAME REUNION INFO MAIN INDEX CLASS MEMORIES WEBMASTER

Growing up on Swihart Street, she lived a typical childhood of the times. She played games in the streets with the neighborhood children and was never one to sulk or complain of nothing to do. If fact, with both of her parents working outside the family home, she often pitched in to complete household chores including putting dinner on the table when they returned home. Later, as a teen, the family moved to the Van Buren and Oak Street area where they remained for many years.

As a growing teen, Marilyn's life blossomed. Roller skating was a favorite pastime of many teens and Marilyn was no stranger to the local rink! It was there that she met Paul Gilbert Johnson who would change the course of her life forever! He had recognized her from working at White's Market and approached her that fateful night in 1953. Two years after her graduation from Columbia High School in 1954 and after Paul returned home from his military service with the U.S. Army, they started planning their wedding.

Joining in marriage at Grace Lutheran Church on June 24, 1956 with Pastor Graham Kleespie as their officiating pastor, the happy couple settled in the area. Throughout their years together, she and Paul welcomed five wonderful children into their loving home.

Marilyn loved her role as a mother. In addition to being a full-time mom to Frank, Judy, Deb, Carla, and Galen, she also had worked at Frank's Greenhouse, Lincoln Life, the Coesse School cafeteria and Magnavox cafeteria over the years.

As a young family, they cherished many memories of camping together. They also loved to take long Sunday drives to watch their local area grow including watching the construction of the dams around Indiana. Back in 1969, the family ventured to Florida for a vacation over Christmas break. They were so enamored with the area, they were happy to return years later with their youngest son. They stopped at many locations along the way in order to visit interesting sites and family on their way there and back! Marilyn enjoyed their time together, yet she much preferred to be at home where she was content in her garden or helping out on the family farm.

Known to keep herself busy and active in her many different interests over the years, Marilyn was never one to remain idle. A large majority of her years were spent being a 4-H leader when her children were active in the program. She was a longtime active member of her home church, Hope Lutheran where she enjoyed sharing many of her unique talents with others during her time there. She enjoyed crocheting lap robes for shut-ins and designing floral arrangements from the cut flowers from her own garden. An avid doll collector, Marilyn was also crafty and known for her wonderful cake decorations! Amidst her active lifestyle, she always found time for her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren! Marilyn's legacy was service to others. Nothing brought her greater joy than to know that her life had purpose and meaning which she found through her selfless acts of giving. She leaves behind a wonderful collection of happy and fond memories for all who knew and loved her.

7-20-08 Notes: I have 5 children all of whom graduated from CCHS as well.
Frank - class of 1975, Judy - class of 1977, Debbie - class of 1978, Karla - class of 1979 and Galen - class of 1992. I also have 6 grandchildren.">

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU!

You can upload photographs of yourself here, either a senior picture or one of you now. Before uploading, please size your pictures to about 85 pixels wide x 125 pixels tall(4" x 6" maximum size), with a resolution of 72-300 dpi. This keeps the images small but still viewable. To replace a picture you have already uploaded, just upload a new picture in its place. Thanks.

Photo to Upload:
Short Caption For Photo:
Type Of Photo:   Senior Photo Recent Photo
 
Database Footer

Class Coordinators needed.  If your class does not have a Class Coordinator listed with its officers, you can volunteer by clicking here: webmaster@cchsaa.org.  For more info, click here

© 2005 Columbia City High School Alumni Association     This page last modified 09/27/2006