Marvin E. Johnson, age 97, passed away early in the morning on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Blissfield Place with the support of Optimal Care Hospice.
Marvin Johnson of Blissfield, Michigan, died on January 1, 2026, at the age of 97. He is survived by his children, Suzanne Johnson, Mary Johnson (Paul Surya), Barbara Wamsley (Bruce), and William Johnson (Martin Chessen); two grandsons, Dominic and Raymond Surya; and various nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Marie, his infant daughter Margaret Ann, and by nine brothers and sisters: Harry, Ethel, Lewis, Ralph, Paul, Florence, Ruby, Alice, and Grace.
Marvin was born in Delta, Ohio, into a family of farmers; he was the son of George and Laura (Davis) Johnson. After graduating from high school and serving two years in the military, Marvin farmed for his oldest brother near Blissfield. Marvin married Marie in 1957. In the early 1960s, Marvin took a job at the Chevrolet Transmission Plant in Toledo. However, Marvin’s most rewarding work involved applying his keen mind and his mechanical and woodworking skills to a variety of projects, including renovating and adding to the house he bought from his brother. Marvin and Marie always had a big garden too. In his later years, Marvin cared for the garden so meticulously that friends joked that he did not know what a weed looked like.
Marvin and Marie made many friends while Western-style square dancing. After retirement, Marvin stayed in touch with many other General Motors retirees. Marvin and Marie enjoyed traveling too, particularly road trips, driving as far away as Alaska. In 2006, Marvin and Marie took a train trip across the Canadian Rockies one year before they celebrated their 50th anniversary, agreeing that there’s no reason to postpone happiness for a special occasion. Shortly after their anniversary, Marie passed away in 2007.
A few years later, Marvin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The progressive disease took its toll on Marvin’s strength and agility. Even so, Marvin enjoyed sharing lunch with friends at the Bliss-Liewert Senior Center for many years. Marvin also relished adventure. He enjoyed zip-lining and whitewater rafting when he was well into his 80s. In January 2023, Marvin left his home of 57 years and moved into Blissfield Place, where he was well cared for but missed his tools. The family is grateful for the loving, conscientious care provided by the staff of Blissfield Place and Optimal Health, and for the members of Light of Christ Catholic Church who brought him communion and the bulletin every week.
The Mass for the Resurrection for the soul of Marvin Johnson will be celebrated by Fr. Jeffrey Poll on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Light of Christ Parish, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Blissfield. Rite of Committal will follow at Ogden Township Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. An additional visitation will be held on Tuesday morning at the church, from 10:00 a.m. until mass begins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Light of Christ Catholic Parish or Bliss-Liewert Senior Center. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.
Marvin Johnson of Blissfield, Michigan, died on January 1, 2026, at the age of 97. He is survived by his children, Suzanne Johnson, Mary Johnson (Paul Surya), Barbara Wamsley (Bruce), and William Johnson (Martin Chessen); two grandsons, Dominic and Raymond Surya; and various nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Marie, his infant daughter Margaret Ann, and by nine brothers and sisters: Harry, Ethel, Lewis, Ralph, Paul, Florence, Ruby, Alice, and Grace.
Marvin was born in Delta, Ohio, into a family of farmers; he was the son of George and Laura (Davis) Johnson. After graduating from high school and serving two years in the military, Marvin farmed for his oldest brother near Blissfield. Marvin married Marie in 1957. In the early 1960s, Marvin took a job at the Chevrolet Transmission Plant in Toledo. However, Marvin’s most rewarding work involved applying his keen mind and his mechanical and woodworking skills to a variety of projects, including renovating and adding to the house he bought from his brother. Marvin and Marie always had a big garden too. In his later years, Marvin cared for the garden so meticulously that friends joked that he did not know what a weed looked like.
Marvin and Marie made many friends while Western-style square dancing. After retirement, Marvin stayed in touch with many other General Motors retirees. Marvin and Marie enjoyed traveling too, particularly road trips, driving as far away as Alaska. In 2006, Marvin and Marie took a train trip across the Canadian Rockies one year before they celebrated their 50th anniversary, agreeing that there’s no reason to postpone happiness for a special occasion. Shortly after their anniversary, Marie passed away in 2007.
A few years later, Marvin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The progressive disease took its toll on Marvin’s strength and agility. Even so, Marvin enjoyed sharing lunch with friends at the Bliss-Liewert Senior Center for many years. Marvin also relished adventure. He enjoyed zip-lining and whitewater rafting when he was well into his 80s. In January 2023, Marvin left his home of 57 years and moved into Blissfield Place, where he was well cared for but missed his tools. The family is grateful for the loving, conscientious care provided by the staff of Blissfield Place and Optimal Health, and for the members of Light of Christ Catholic Church who brought him communion and the bulletin every week.
The Mass for the Resurrection for the soul of Marvin Johnson will be celebrated by Fr. Jeffrey Poll on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Light of Christ Parish, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Blissfield. Rite of Committal will follow at Ogden Township Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. An additional visitation will be held on Tuesday morning at the church, from 10:00 a.m. until mass begins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Light of Christ Catholic Parish or Bliss-Liewert Senior Center. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marvin Emerson Johnson please visit our Sympathy Store.