Mary E. Johnson, age 81 of Pepin, formerly of Wausau, died Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at her home in Pepin with her family by her side.

Mary was born on January 31, 1937 in LaCrosse. She was the daughter of Burton and Erma (Newcomb) Smith. Mary grew up in LaCrosse, graduated from Logan High School and graduated from UW-Stout with a degree in Home Economics. She earned her Master’s Degree at UW-Stevens Point. While teaching in Grafton, Mary met and married Girard R. “Jerry” Johnson on August 4, 1962 at Pepin United Methodist Church. After marriage, they moved to Wausau where Mary taught at both Wausau West and Wausau East High Schools. After retirement, Mary and Jerry moved to Pepin where Mary remained the rest of her life.

Mary enjoyed cooking, sewing, boating, camping, walks on the beach, traveling, and bargain hunting. She was an active member of Pepin United Methodist Church in Pepin. Most of all, Mary loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary is survived by her children; Scott (Lisa) of Wausau, Ann (Jeff) Stewart of Wayzata, MN, Beth (Brent) Olmstead of West St. Paul, MN, Ted (Rebecca) of Pepin and Eric (Christine) of Brooklyn Park, MN, 13 grandchildren, two great grandsons, four sisters; Pat Connell, Grace Jensen, Jackie Norvell and Marg (Jerry) Pok, one brother; David (Jane) Smith, sisters-in-law; Linda Smith and Shirley Smith, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband; Jerry and two brothers; Bob and Danny Smith.

Funeral Services will be 3:00 PM Monday at the Pepin United Methodist Church, 504 2^nd St., Pepin. Rev. Lisa Weaver will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until the time of services at the church on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary’s name to the Jerry Johnson Wausau West Football Scholarship or the Pepin United Methodist Church.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Donnie and Hildegard Frans June 25, 2018, at 9:10am

   The Lord is my secure height, my God, my Rock of refuge
   Psalm 94:22

   In this difficult time, please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
   Donnie & Hildegard Frans

2. Paul Smith June 23, 2018, at 1:48pm

   Sincere condolences to the family from Edie & Paul Smith of Wausau. We have fond memories of the times we shared with Mary & Jerry - teaching with Jerry at Wausau West and getting together with the faculty wives.

   Rest in peace Mary and Jerry.

3. Joan Pagel June 22, 2018, at 10:15am

   So sorry for your loss. Have many fond memories of teaching with Mary over the years. Prayers for all.

4. Kevin & Carrie Pok June 22, 2018, at 9:41am

   Deepest condolences to the Johnson family. Mary was always making sure everyone was taken care of and will miss her. We will be making a donation to the football scholarship.

5. Paul Alexander June 22, 2018, at 8:20am

   Deepest condolences to the Johnson family. Your Mom Mary was a rock and we are all so lucky to know her for so many years.

6. Jan Dutcher June 21, 2018, at 8:33pm

   Dear “Johnsons” all,
   Thinking of you all at this difficult time, but I rejoice in knowing that you are blessed with such wonderful memories of a special mother-grandmother-and-sister-in-law, who lived a full life and generously shared love and joy with you all! And what a wonderful relationship Mary and Jerry shared - I especially remember that! You’ll find strength in each other. Love, Jan

7. Kathie and LeRoy Haynes June 21, 2018, at 7:15pm

   We are so sad to learn about Mary's passing. We had such a great and wonderful time together as antique lovers!! Goodbye my friend. love, K. and L.

8. Ellen and Rick Schilla June 21, 2018, at 5:03pm

   Mary, I will always treasure your visit to my raft. May her present peace and wonderful memories be your family’s comfort. ❤️

9. Leza Underwood June 21, 2018, at 1:43pm

   Rest in peace aunt Mary give uncle Jerry a big hug for me love you both always and forever

10. Marsha and Gary Alexander June 21, 2018, at 11:04am

    So sorry. She was a good person and a dear friend.

11. Sherry Drysdale-Schruth June 20, 2018, at 9:07pm

    I will remember Mary for her volunteer time in the community. So sorry for you loss, may you find comfort in your memories.

12. Tim McAnallen June 20, 2018, at 5:17pm

    Ted, Ann, and the rest of family, Eve and I are very sorry for your loss and will be making a donation to the football scholarship.

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