Mary Johnson

Mary Johnson, age 87, of Cottage Grove passed away on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Mary was born in rural Medford, Minnesota, to Charles and Agnes Mork. The youngest of four sisters, she graduated from Owatonna High School and went to beauty school. Mary met Roger in Ellendale, Minnesota at Kerney's Steak House. They married April 22, 1961 in Owatonna, Minnesota. In 1963, Mary and Roger moved into their home in Cottage Grove and lived there together ever since.

Mary loved to cook, bake, garden and sew. She sewed clothes for all four of her children and even clothes for their dolls. She loved being a mom and a grandma. She baked Christmas cookies like you wouldn't believe, and loved sharing them with family, neighbors, and friends. With Mary, there was always something sweet to eat.

Mary loved rabbits. She had a pet rabbit named Benjamin, who lived in the house and used a litter box. She had a huge rabbit collection. Mary also enjoyed their family cabin and farm in Henning, Minnesota. Throughout the years she would enjoy watching the kids fish or swim in the lake.

Mary was the best grandma ever, it just came naturally to her. She babysat all seven grandchildren throughout their elementary school years. She would drop them off at pre-school and take them to the bus stop. They would follow her around the garden and the laundry room, anything she was doing just to be near her. Mary went to every school program and graduation, she was so proud of her grandchildren and all of their accomplishments.

She was preceded in death by her son, David Johnson; parents, Charles and Agnes Mork; sisters, Dorothy Wagner and Martha Helgeson.

She is survived by her husband, Roger Johnson; children, Sue (Todd) Tiffany, Steve (Mechelle) Johnson, Sandy (Tim) Porter; grandchildren, Anna, Elizabeth (Buffy), Nick, Haley, Shelby, Maddie, Blake; great-grandchildren, Rex and Ivy; and sister, Blanche Gibson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM, Thursday, August 6, 2026, at The Church of St. Rita, 8694 80th Street S., Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016. All are welcome to join the family for a luncheon immediately following the mass.