R. Marshall Johnston

August 31, 1951 – January 12, 2022

East Bethel, MN, USA

Marshall Johnston (1951-2022)

R. Marshall Johnston was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He died at home on January 12, 2022 at the age of 70 after a short and courageous battle with liver cancer.

He was born to Robert and Rachel Johnston on August 31, 1951 in Ottumwa, Iowa and graduated from Saydel High School in Des Moines, Iowa in 1969. His parents owned and operated Breezy Pines Resort on East Crooked Lake in Nevis, MN during Marshall's teenage years where he learned he had a knack for cleaning fish and a love for northern Minnesota.

Marshall attended technical college in Wadena, MN where he received training in surveying. He worked for Hubbard County and Eveleth Taconite prior to moving to the metro area in 1984. He worked for the State of Minnesota-Department of Transportation (MNDOT) for 28 years. He spent several years outdoors working on road construction projects prior to landing indoors where he retired from MNDOT's State Aid for Local Transportation.

Marshall loved spending time and traveling with his beloved wife, Brenda, who he met in 1996. They were married on August 25, 2001 and made their home in East Bethel. He loved the outdoors, whether hunting, fishing or taking care of his yard and garden. He especially loved fishing with family and friends, either on local lakes on his boat, trips to Canada or on the ocean during he and Brenda's travels.

Marshall was also an avid reader, antique collector and appreciated good music and a good beer.

He loved being a father to Sara and BJ. Most notably, Marshall was a proud BMX dad and took Sara and BJ to races locally and nationally when they were young. He also loved being a grandfather and was lovingly called "Papa Marshmallow" by some of his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Rachel Johnston.

He is survived by his wife Brenda and children Sara (Adam) Halverson and BJ (Megan) as well as his sisters Janie (Marlin) Eiklenborg and Beth Johnston. He is also survived and adored by his 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

An open house Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, January 29th between 12-4pm at the Forest Lake American Legion, 355 W. Broadway Ave in Forest Lake, MN. There won't be a formal service, rather a light lunch and gathering to celebrate Marshall's life.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

January 29, 2022

American Legion 355 W Broadway Ave, Forest Lake, MN 55025, USA