Marlin Leslie Johnston, Jr.

Marlin Leslie Johnston, Jr. was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, April 18, 1945, the son of Marlin Leslie and Hazel Lee Goddard Johnston, Sr. The family moved to Denison when he was three months of age and he lived with his grandparents who operated the Lafonda Motor Court. He was raised in Denison and received his education in the Denison Public Schools. Marlin was baptized and confirmed as an adult at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison January 24, 1982. Marlin spent his adult life in and around Denison. During his working years he held various jobs including being an orderly at Crawford County Memorial Hospital; a cook at the Eat-Mor Café in the 1970’s and was employed at the Jo-Mart as a dishwasher and did cleaning. In addition, from 1973 until 1985, he was employed at the Ritz Theater in Denison and later by relatives. Following his retirement he resided in Denison and most recently had resided at the Dunlap Nursing and Rehab Center in Dunlap due to failing health. In his spare time Marlin enjoyed spending time with his family, socializing over coffee with friends, walking, being outside and collecting anniversary napkins with imprinted dates for historical purposes. Marlin died Friday, May 4, 2012, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison. At the time of his death he had been blessed with 67 years and 16 days. Marlin was preceded in death by his parents. Those remaining to cherish his memory include two brothers and their spouses: Norman and Sue Johnston and Dean and Jodi Johnston of Denison, niece and nephews, great niece and nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at Zion Lutheran Church, Denison, Iowa, with the Rev. Kurt R. Kaiser officiating. Music for the service included the congregational hymns of “I’m But A Stranger Here”, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” with Karen Kahl serving as organist. Pallbearers included Norman Johnston, Dean Johnston, Jeff Johnston, Ryan Johnston, Justin Johnston, Jacob Johnston and Alicia Johnston. Interment was at Crawford Heights Memory Gardens, Denison, Iowa. Following the services all were invited to return to the church and join the family in fellowship and a meal provided by Staley’s Catering and Zion Ladies Aid.