Marilyn Jean Johnson, age 88, a resident of Carol Stream, IL died peacefully Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at home. She was born November 7, 1926.

Marilyn, (better known as "Puetz" in her childhood) grew up in Moline, IL. As a young adult she worked at John Deere and attended First Covenant Church in Moline. She graduated from North Park College in Chicago, where she met and married her husband of 64 years, Jason. They raised their family and started their first business, Jason Johnson Jewelers, in Madison, WI. While in Madison they were part of a church plant, Buckeye Evangelical Free Church, now known as Door Creek. She joyfully opened her heart and home to a foster child (a 4th daughter!). Her gift of hospitality was evident to all who knew her – neighbors, friends and family were ALWAYS welcome.

In 1974 the Johnson's moved to Wheaton, IL and purchased Stones Jewelry. Marilyn often worked beside her husband in the jewelry store. They were members at Wheaton Evangelical Free Church for many years.

Marilyn agreed to a new adventure in 1982 when they bought a 17-acre vineyard in Sawyer, MI. Her grandchildren all loved riding the tractor, swimming, and sleeping in the caboose at "the farm." They were active members of Harbert Community Church for over 25 years and had many treasured friends there.

The Johnsons were snowbirds who wintered in Key West. Marilyn loved to fish, play Bingo, sing in the Keys Chorale, and attend the Key West United Methodist Church.

In 2011, Marilyn and Jason returned to the Wheaton area to be closer to family. She enjoyed the social amenities, lovely grounds and most of all, meeting with friends at Windsor Park.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, and friend and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jason; her daughters, O'Ann (Jim) Steere of Wheaton, IL, Marsha (Gene) Fredrickson of Batavia, IL, Kim Petti of Bartlett, IL, foster daughter Judy (Dr. Nick) Wyskoarko of Rothschild, WI; nine Grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Lucille Exline, and one grandson, Zachary Fredrickson.

A service honoring Marilyn and celebrating her life will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at Windsor Park , 124 Windsor Park Drive, in Carol Stream, IL. The family will be available for conversation at 5:30 pm with a memorial service to follow at 6:30. Interment will be private.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Timber-Lee Christian Center : N8705 Scout Rd, East Troy, WI 53120.