Mardell Kay Johnson

Mardell Kay Johnson, 87, of Zumbrota, died Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at the Zumbrota Care Center. She was born November 19, 1938, in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, to Sigurd and Eunice (Hallanger) Stave and graduated from Cannon Falls High School. On December 28, 1955, she married Arlyn Johnson at Hauge Lutheran Church in Kenyon. Together they purchased a farm and Mardell spent her time as a homemaker and mother, dedicated to their two disabled children. After Arlyn’s retirement from farming in 2013, they moved to Zumbrota. Mardell was a member of Aspelund Norwegian Lutheran Church and was a part of its women’s circle. Mardell enjoyed puzzles, crafting, painting, caring for her lawn and garden, decorating for the seasons and traveling with Arlyn.

She is survived by her sisters, DiAnn (Lawrence) Johnson, Carol (LeRoy) Gjemse, Linda Durdahl, Vicki Otis, and Phylis Johnson; sister-in-law, Debi Stave; Goddaughter, Joni Gorman and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arlyn in 2021; 2 children, Laurie Marie Johnson and Donald Arlyn Johnson; sisters, JoAnn Hoffman, Sharon Dodes, Judy Ferguson and a brother, Roger Stave.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2026, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Aspelund with Rev. Rob Edwards officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service and burial will take place at the church cemetery. Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel, Zumbrota.