Marvin Carl Johnson

Marvin Carl Johnson, 99, Bismarck, ND, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away on September 18, 2019.

The celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, Sept 21, at the First Presbyterian Church in Wilton, with burial following the service at the Riverview Cemetery in Wilton.

Visitation will be Friday, Sept 20, 2019, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a prayer service and a time of sharing at 7:00 pm at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck.

He was born in Wilton, ND, on April 15, 1920, to Carlas and Mamie Johnson. Marvin graduated from Wilton High School in 1938. He enlisted in the Navy in February 1942. Boot camp was at the US Naval Training Center Hospital in San Diego, CA. He became a First Class Pharmacist Mate in the Medical Corp attached to the Second Marine Defense Battalion. August 1,1942, Marvin married the love of his life, Helen Pearson, in the chapel at the USO, San Diego, CA. They recently celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary. Marv transferred to Honolulu, HI, on August 23rd where he served for six months. His Navy Medical Corp was then attached to the Second Marine Division and was transported by ship to participate in the landing of the Russell Islands, 20 miles north of Guadalcanal. The Medical Corps lived in tents for a year on the island assisting with surgeries, pharmacy, and first aid. He was then transferred to the Naval Hospital in Seattle and eventually to Virginia where he received training for overseas independent duty. Fortunately, the war ended.

Marvin graduated from the North Dakota Agricultural College, now NDSU, with a degree in pharmacy. In August 1949, he and Helen bought the drug store and opened Johnson Rexall Drug in Wilton, ND, where he served the community for 38 years. Before the ambulance service became a part of Wilton, Marvin often assisted people who needed immediate medical help. In accident, sickness, or death he was part of it all since there was no physician. He served with a caring heart and hand and never complained.

His family learned many important life lessons through his devotion to family and his promotion of the community he loved. He served on the church session, America Legion, the Park Board, the City Commission, the Get Together Club, the Painted Woods Golf Course, and the volunteer fire department.

Marvin loved his hobbies—music, golfing, fishing, hunting, bowling, and pool. He had a hole in one at the Painted Woods Golf Course on hole number 8. His family could always count on him to take them boating, water skiing, and tobogganing.

Marvin is survived by his loving wife, Helen, Bismarck, five children: Tana (Roger) Snell, Minneapolis, Mn; LuWan (Carl) Duma, Hanford, CA; Conna (Larry) Cook, Bismarck; Jeanie (Charles) Steckler, Fargo; and John (Sharon) Johnson, St Cloud, MN; 12 grandchildren,12 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother, Jack (Gen) Johnson, Mandan.

Memorials can be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Wilton or the charity of your choice.

The family thanks the staff at Edgewood Vista and St Gabriel’s Community of Bismarck.