Marlene Johannsen Obituary

Marlene Johannsen, age 86, of Wilmot, SD passed away on September 17, 2024. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Wilmot Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, September 22, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday, one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Wilmot Cemetery.

The service will be live streamed, recorded and viewable below this obituary.

Marlene C. Cardwell was born on June 13, 1938, in Wilmot, SD. She was the youngest child of ten born to Cecil Frank and Eva M. (Wunschel) Cardwell. Marlene grew up in Wilmot and attended school there. She was united in marriage with Terry Johannsen on August 13, 1955, in Wilmot. They were blessed with six children: Bruce, Jeffrey, Julie, Randy, Terry Ray, and Keith. 

After her children were grown, Marlene worked at the Wilmot Locker for 11 years. Later, she worked as a cook for Wilmot School for 17 years. She returned to work at the Wilmot Locker, working with Sue Pew and doing catering. She had a heart for helping others and provided transportation for friends to doctor appointments. She helped elderly friends with medications and pill counting or whatever their needs may be. 

Marlene was a faithful member of Wilmot Lutheran Church. She enjoyed quilt making at the church as well as in her home. She loved to go fishing with Terry and enjoyed spending time at Big Stone Lake in her retirement. Her family will continue to claim that Marlene’s potato salad was the absolute best! She had a tender heart for kitties and enjoyed bird watching and feeding. Most importantly, Marlene cherished her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Terry Johannsen of Wilmot, SD; four children: Bruce (Becky) Johannsen of Milbank, SD; Julie (Rick) Reyelts of St. Francis, KS; Terry Ray (Darcy) Johannsen of Milbank, SD; and Keith (Jodie) Johannsen of Huron, SD; four grandchildren: Amber Johannsen, Ryan Reyelts, Andrew Johannsen, and Rachel Johannsen; three sisters: Bev Pedersen of Wilmot, SD; Arlis Christensen of Wilmot, SD; and Mildred Sommers of Minneapolis, MN.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents: Cecil and Eva Cardwell; two sons: Jeffrey and Randy; four brothers: Don, Darold, Richard, and Dwane; and two brothers-in-law: Chuck Pedersen and Jerry Christensen.