Mark D. Johnson

A memorial service for Mark D. Johnson, 79, of Fairmont, Minn., will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the United Methodist Church in Fairmont. Burial will follow the service at the Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont with full military honors by the Martin County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1222 and the Lee C. Prentice American Legion Post #36 of Fairmont. Visitation will be two hours prior to the time of service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the United Methodist Church in Fairmont, Minn.

Mark died Saturday morning, Jan. 17, 2015, at the Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Fairmont. The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mark David Johnson was born on Oct. 28, 1935, in Newton, the son of Alvin and Bernice (Johnson) Johnson. He attended school in Newton, and graduated from Newton High School with the class of 1953.

Following his graduation, Mark attended Cornell College where he received his degree in 1957. He would then go on to enlist in the United States Army where he served his country honorably, later earning his honorable discharge.

Upon completion of his commitment to the Army, Mark enrolled at the University of Iowa where he attained his master’s degree in geology.

In 1966, Mark moved to Fairmont, Minn., where he was employed with Hodgeman’s Construction. His official title was geologist; however, Mark was also responsible for estimates and bids on the various jobs they worked, along with serving as the vice president for the company. Mark worked for Hodgeman’s for 40 years and was still employed part-time as a consultant.

On April 29, 1977, Mark was united in marriage to Bonnie Musser at the United Methodist Church in Chisholm, Minn., with the Rev. Jack Harris presiding over the marriage.

In his spare time, Mark enjoyed traveling and had been all over the United States, Central America and the Caribbean. He had a love for geology and had a “Rock Room” in his home for his vast rock collection. Mark and Bonnie cherished time spent with family and friends. They could often be found sharing laughs with those close to them at one of their many favorite places to socialize.

Mark kept very active playing golf, tennis, attending games of the Vikings, Twins, Lynx and Wild. He also enjoyed attending musicals, concerts and plays. Mark was a member of the United Methodist Church in Fairmont, the Martin County VFW, was a mentor in the Fairmont Kinship Program for more than 10 years, and was the coordinator of the Fairmont Red Cross Blood Drive.

He was a master griller and looked forward to entertaining those who would visit. Mark will be greatly missed by those who loved him and called him a friend.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Bonnie Johnson; children, Kris Musser (Liz Bock), Karla Musser (Deepa Roongta), Darcie Johnson and family, and David Johnson and family; one brother, Tim Johnson; three brothers-in-law, Gene (Audrey) Wright; Ruppert (MaryLee) Wright, and Gary (Lana) Wright; two sisters-in-law, Ardis Nutt and Joyce (Don) Jerome; two beloved cats, Sahara and Mojave; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Bernice Johnson; sister, Beverly Wehrem; and two brothers-in-law, Glen Wehrem and Don Nutt.