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Mary Ellen Johnson 12/15/2023

Mary Ellen Johnson, age 75 of Roberts, WI, died on Friday, December 15, 2023 at United Hospital in Saint Paul, MN with her loving family by her side after suffering cardiac arrest.

Mary Ellen was born on April 5, 1948 in River Falls, WI, the daughter of Melvin and Helen (Larson) Burdick.  She was a caring, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister,  She lived in Roberts all of her life until health issues forced her to reside in the Parkview Care Facility in Woodville, WI.

Mary Ellen married Tuffy (Duayne) Johnson on March 16, 1985 in Las Vega, NV.  The marriage blended together Mary Ellen’s children, Angie Johnson and Nate Hunter and Tuffy’s children, Tara Hakes and Travis Johnson into one family.

Mary Ellen was chosen “Roberts Good Neighbor” in 2014 for her caring of many day care children and the elderly.  She enjoyed crafting, garage saling, shopping, and puzzles!  Mary Ellen also enjoyed making lefse with her aunt Jeanette and sister Shari, shopping with her daughter Angie and putting puzzles together with her son Nate.  Tuffy and Mary Ellen were together 44 years.  They enjoyed having a good time, garage saling, and spending time together with friends.

Mary Ellen was a wonderful grandma and adored her grandchildren, Tyler White, Calleigh Johnson, Brittani Hunter, Renee Lee, Jesse Hakes, Cody Hakes, Laura Hoffman, Grace Hagemann and Addison Johnson.  They have many fond memories of Grandma.

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband, Duayne “Tuffy” Johnson; daughter, Angie Johnson; son, Nate (Rachel) Hunter; step-daughter, Tara (Mike) Hakes; step-son, Travis (Olivia) Johnson; grandchildren, Tyler (Paige) White, Calleigh (Ethan) Johnson, Brittani (Luke) Hunter, Renee (Joe) Lee, Jesse (Rosa) Hakes, Cody (Cheli) Hakes and Laura (Andy) Hoffman; great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon “Shari” Larson; brother, Gary (LuAnn) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Bud) Young, Lois Strehlo; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Helen Burdick.

A Celebration of Mary Ellen’s Life was held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 12 noon at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 805 E Division Street River Falls, WI and streamed through the link just below this obituary.  Visitation was on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 10 am – 12 noon at the funeral home.  Interment was in Warren Cemetery in Roberts, WI.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch the recording of Mary Ellen’s service

11 Comments

  • Peter Chapin Posted December 17, 2023 4:23 pm

    My condolences to the family. Pete and brenda Chapin from Roberts Wisconsin

  • Nancy Stewart Posted December 18, 2023 9:54 am

    Special Lady, So sorry for your loss. Dale and Nancy Stewart

  • Candace Bettendorf Posted December 18, 2023 10:31 am

    John and I are so sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs.

  • Tom osen Posted December 18, 2023 3:36 pm

    Tuffy my Friend, i am so sorry to hear of your loss. During our year in scholl you were always there for me. I have never forgotten it. Take care of yourself. Your friend Tom

  • Bob and Nancy Fischer Posted December 18, 2023 7:04 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed talking with her.We will keep you in prayer.

  • Cheryl Longhenry Posted December 18, 2023 7:12 pm

    Tuffy I am so sorry for your loss. Sending lots of prayers and hugs for all

  • Ginny Johnston Kinney Posted December 22, 2023 2:32 pm

    Mary Ellen was my best friend through out the Roberts/Hammond school years. i cannot imagine those years without that great friendship. Burdicks was my “home away from home.” Peace and comfort to those now feeling a great loss.

  • Deb Hoffman Posted December 23, 2023 12:56 pm

    I am saddened by your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. May Mary Ellen Rest in Peace. Comfort and Peace to your family.

  • Sharon Torr’ie Peter Posted December 25, 2023 12:20 pm

    I will always remember the good times we’ve had I’ll b there babe girl to c you go home I love u

  • Diwaine & Nancy Larson Posted December 27, 2023 12:41 pm

    So very sorry for your loss.

  • Roger DeYoung Posted December 28, 2023 1:42 am

    Our condolences from the DeYoung family.
    RIP Mary Ellen.

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