Marlene Johnston

Marlene C. Johnston, 82 of Rochester, MN peacefully passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Samaritan Bethany Nursing Home after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Born on October 5, 1941, Marlene Caroline Gilbertson was the last of six children born to Eddie and Clara (Solverud) Gilbertson of Hayfield, MN. After graduating from Hayfield High School in 1959, she moved to Rochester, MN and worked as a switchboard operator at the Rochester State Hospital.

In 1961 Marlene married James J. Johnston and they had three children. They later divorced. Marlene was a homemaker and daycare provider when her children were young. She later worked for Mayo Clinic Medical Labs and retired in 2004 with over 26 years of service. She was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church. She volunteered for several charity fund drives, and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, camping, traveling, movies, music, reading, and road trips.

Marlene is survived by sons, Steven Johnston of Oronoco, MN and Kevin Johnston of Rochester, MN; a daughter, Leanne (Kevin) Bartlett of Bridgeport, WV; grandchildren, Joe Johnston, Samantha (Kiel) Davis, Dustin (Lindsey) Rone, Keith (Tina) Bartlett, Andrew (Emily) Bartlett, Kailee (Amanda) Bartlett; great-grandchildren, Eli and Ada Davis, Brycen, Jacqueline, Austin, and Makaylin Bartlett; sister, Inee Ocheltree of Rochester, MN and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Frances Wilke and Ardella Gilbertson, and brothers, Nordean and Luverne Gilbertson.

A resident of Samaritan Bethany since November 2019, Marlene's children would like to thank the staff and caregivers for their kindness and compassionate care given to their mother.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Visitation will start at 10:30 AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Parkinson's Foundation or donor's choice.