Mary Lou Johnson

Mary Louise Johnson, age 93 of Cottage Grove, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 17, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM on Friday, May 30, 2025 at the Church of St. Rita, 8694 80th Street S.; Cottage Grove, MN with a visitation from 10-11 AM. All are invited to a luncheon following the service.

Mary Lou was born on January 2, 1932 to Bernard and Louise (Ahlborn) Ferber in St. Paul, MN. She was raised on the West Side of St. Paul graduating from St. Agnes Catholic High School in 1950. She started working for Northwest Airlines in 1952 in which she spent the majority of her career. She had five children between 1954 through 1962. The family moved to Thompson Grove, now Cottage Grove in 1958 where she continued to raise her family and was a lifelong resident.

Mary Lou was united in marriage to Clinton "Tom" Johnson in 1978. They shared many travels over the years together, especially enjoying trips to Hawaii and winters in Destin, Florida. In her spare time, Mary Lou spent time bowling, golfing and dining at local restaurants frequenting the Car Bar, their favorite place the most. Tom and Mary Lou's backyard hosted many pool parties over the years for family and friends to gather leaving many fun memories that can now be treasured. Mary Lou will be deeply missed for her joyful, warm spirit and love for others.

Mary Lou is survived by husband Clinton "Tom"; sons Tim Shannon, Tom Shannon, Bob (Karen) Shannon, Tom Johnson and Dan Johnson; daughters Peggy (Terry) Lahr, Terry (Brian) Gieser, Sue (Bill) Whitaker and Debbie Johnson; 15 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; sister Lois Hanson and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her parents Bernard and Louise Ferber; brothers Bern Ferber and Bob Ferber; sister Charlotte Winterer; daughter Mary Ellen Hermann and daughters-in-law Cheri Shannon and Virginia Johnson.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in the service via livestream, you can watch the service by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and click “PLAY" to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having trouble with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.