Mary Lou Johnson

Mary Lou (Weaver) Johnson was born on November 10, 1930, the daughter of Daniel and Kathryn E. (Barnoske) Weaver in Coon Rapids, Iowa. She attended school in Coon Rapids and graduated from Coon Rapids High School. She then went on to attend Drake University for a year.

On March 29, 1950, Mary Lou enlisted into the United State Air Force. She trained in radar school at Kessler Air Base in Bilosi, Mississippi. Following her honorable discharge, she went back to school in Omaha, Nebraska in comptometer. She worked at the Mutal of Omaha until returning to Coon Rapids.

On September 7, 1956, Mary Lou married Verne H. Johnson at the Methodist Church in Omaha, Nebraska. The couple made their home on a farm south of Coon Rapids for three years before moving to their forever home in Coon Rapids. They were blessed with four children and Mary Lou stayed busy being a homemaker and providing daycare to others before starting to work at the Bayard Care Center from 1970 to 1973 and then Thomas Rest Haven until 1977. She also did yard work for many local businesses and families.

Mary Lou was active in the American Legion, serving as district commander and county auxiliary president several times. Throughout her years, she also served as a Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Leader.

Mary Lou passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids at the age of 94 years, three months and 27 days. She was preceded in death by her husband, Verne; daughter, Mary Lendt; brother, Daniel Weaver; two sisters: Patricia Schwartz and Nacy Ray Turner; and niece, Janet Ray George.

Mary Lou is survived by her four children: William Johnson of Coon Rapids, Mark Johnson of Rwlet, Texas and Micheal Johnson (Meralee Belcher) of Wylie, son-in-law, Kenny Lendt of Ogden, two grandchildren: Kerry Mwangi and Chirtopher Lendt; four great-grandchildren: Isaak, Ethan, Maxxwell and Griffin; and many other relatives and friends.

Mary Lou’s wishes were to be cremated and her service will be held at a later date with burial with military honors in the Union Cemetery in Coon Rapids.