Marilyn Johnsen, age 93, died Wednesday, February 22, 2023. She died three years to the day after her spouse and best buddy Elwood died. She died from congestive heart failure and complications of dementia.
Marilyn was born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and lived there until adulthood took her to the big city of Superior, WI to study to become an administrative assistant, or a secretary, as she called it. There she met a handsome soldier named Elwood at a YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association) dance. The sparks flew and ignited a fire that led to marriage, relocation to Colorado Springs, and three children.
She is survived by her three children; Gail Benson (Johnsen), Brian Johnsen, and Denise Millhollin (Johnsen); seven grandchildren; William Benson, Kathryn Benson and Sarah Benson, Rachel Dickes (Johnsen) Justin Johnsen, and Casey Millhollin and Ryan Millhollin and two great grandchildren; Kaitlynne and Micaiah Millhollin.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Elwood, her parents, Gladys and Chester Jacobson, and her two brothers Robert and David Jacobson.
The family must take the opportunity to thank the caregivers at Sunrise at Orchard for all the love and care they showered on Marilyn in the last part of her life. It did not go unnoticed, and was so much appreciated. Her hospice caregivers were superhuman, and to them, we leave this quote from How the Grinch Stole Christmas: “And whathappened, then? Well, in Whoville they say – that the Grinch's small heart grew three
sizes that day. And then – the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches, plus two!” You caregivers have the strength of ten Grinches, plus two, but ours are the hearts that grew three sizes. Thank you!
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to The March of Dimes, a charity where Marilyn volunteered for many years or the Alzheimer's Association.
Services for Marilyn will be held Wednesday, March 1, 2023 starting at 10:00 AM with a visitation, a celebration of life from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121. A graveside service will occur Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Home, 3825 Airport Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Johnsen family.
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