Marguerite Jane Johnson, age 93, was born September 1, 1927 to Adolph and Julie (Flatval) Fosvick in Sioux City, IA, and peacefully passed away on March 20, 2021 at Royal Oaks. Marguerite is survived by her children: Julie (Steven) Tofteland, Joyce Johnson, Sandra (Jon) Marthedal, and Samuel Johnson; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: (Martha Tofteland), Finn and Liv; Jason (Kate) Tofteland, Sadie, Simon, and Sloane; Rachel (Brandon Trampe) Tofteland-Trampe; John Tofteland (special friend Ashley Wilke); Eric (Kristy) Marthedal, Erin Marthedal (Giacinta Talarico); Evan (Amber) Marthedal, Owen, Wyatt, and Drew; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Elmer and Nancy Johnson; brother-in-law Floyd Florey; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Murray; brother Adolph Fosvick and sister-in-law Sally Fosvick; brothers-in-law and sisters-in law: Virgil and Judy Johnson, Helmer and Isabelle Haugland; sister-in-law Eleanor Florey; and grandson Ryan Tofteland.
Marguerite was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Sioux City, IA. She graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD where she met her loving husband, I. Murray Johnson. They married August 19, 1950. After Murray’s graduation from Luther Seminary in Minneapolis, MN, Marguerite and Murray lived in Kelliher and Stephen, MN; Santee, Rancho Cordova and Fresno, CA; and Sun City, AZ. Throughout her life, Marguerite served in various capacities in each congregation she was a member; was a dedicated teacher in MN, CA, and AZ, and an eager volunteer. Marguerite displayed an affinity for languages. As a child, she taught her Norwegian immigrant mother English and over the years taught English, Spanish and French, as well as English as a Second Language. Marguerite gave of herself in a variety of ways. As a member of American Lutheran Church, she was active in WELCA, choir, Bell Choir, and was trained and served as a Stephen Minister. Upon retirement in 1991, she and Murray volunteered at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ as it was being established. Marguerite was actively involved in tutoring at Pan de Vida in Surprise, AZ, and at Royal Oaks, where she was recognized for volunteering to teach ESL to the employees. She also worked diligently to secure scholarships so that many of her students could attend college and beamed with pride as they advanced in their educational and professional lives. For many years and until two years ago, Marguerite played the piano for church services at Royal Oaks.
Traveling was a delight for Marguerite. A true highlight was a trip to Norway in 1979 where she met aunts, uncles, and cousins from her mother’s family for the first time. Following retirement, she and Murray enjoyed traveling in their RV throughout the United States, visiting 48 states and many national parks. Marguerite dearly treasured family connections throughout her life. She will be remembered for her reserved nature, love of music and travel, dedication to her immediate and extended family, interest in new experiences, commitment to social justice and change, and a deep, abiding faith.
A Celebration of Life service is 1:00 pm Wednesday, March 31 at American Lutheran Church, 17200 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ. Burial will follow at Sunland Memorial Park. Memorials may be sent to: American Lutheran Church of Sun City, 17200 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85373; Women of the ELCA – Katie’s Fund (sent to American Lutheran of Sun City); and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, P.O. Box 17467, Baltimore, MD 21298-8266.
