Marlene Johansen

Marlene Alice Johansen, 74, passed away May 4th, 2025 in her home in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Marlene was born in Manchester, MN, on September 13th 1950. She was a twin! She had many siblings to grow up with; built in best friends truly. Later on, the family moved to Albert Lea, where she resided for the rest of her days.

On September 17th, 1987 she married Donald (Red) Johansen at Trinity Church. On November 18th, 1990 they welcomed their son Justin. On that very day she earned one of her favorite titles: "Mom". Marlene spent a lot of time baby sitting and being a mother hen to many children in her life. A lot of people in the community remember Marlene as someone who was a familiar face in their childhood. Friends and family can remember that her home was "the spot" to play various games and hang out, but remember to bring a hot cup of coffee! Marlene also enjoyed going to garage sales, snagging cool trinkets and toys for the kids.

Everyone was welcome in Marlene's heart. If she loved you, she had ways to show for it. Just know if you made it into the Tribune that she kept clippings of those articles, saved the memories for generations to come. Any memory was special to her. I promise you that she kept every birthday card and keepsake throughout her lifetime; no matter how small, she kept every memento as a prized possession.

Within the past five years, Marlene received her favorite gifts: her grandchildren. She was a proud grandmother and it was known. She would pull out photos from her purse to show anyone and everyone! Those little boys were everything to her.

Beside having a large family, Marlene had a few friends that stood out and navigated her through her life journey. Barb Johnson was a close friend to Marlene and Red for many years, and many adventures. Life-long friend Diane Olsen who she played many a card games with throughout their fifty plus years long friendship. Lastly, Macey Stefani, a neighbor, who she spent nearly every day with the past seven years.

Marlene is survived by her son Justin Johansen and his significant other, Brandy Teig; their three sons, Nixon, Holden and Ronan; her siblings, Darlene Hendrickson, Gilbert (Mary) Johnson, Julie Telles, and Paul (Josephine) Johnson; brother-in-law, Orien Loe; sisters-in-law, Gail Johnson and Sandi Johnson; many nieces and nephews; and a lot of friends as well.

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Red; parents Selmer and Ruth Johnson; step-father Paul Werner; siblings Stanley (Shirley) Johnson, Dale (Joy) Johnson, Delores Loe, David Johnson, Merrill Johnson, Steven Johnson; brother-in-law Jerry Hendrickson; and great nephew Tyler.