Marilyn Jean Arthur (nee Johnson), age 74 of Big Lake, MN unexpectedly passed away Monday, September 22, 2025 at the Monticello Hospital. She was born June 15, 1951 in Monticello, MN as the fourth of five children to Oscar and Elsie Johnson.

She grew up in rural Big Lake and graduated from Big Lake High School in 1969 where she played alto sax in the school band. After graduating she moved with some cousins to a house in Minneapolis where she worked for Aetna insurance.

Marilyn was married to Joseph (Joe) for 43 years, they were married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa in 1974 at Marilyn’s mother’s suggestion. They took the Greyhound bus to their wedding and honeymooned in Chicago before returning to live in South Minneapolis where they welcomed their son, Chad Peter, born in 1977.  In 1979 they moved to Big Lake and welcomed their daughter, Angela Joy, in 1980.

While the children were young Marilyn worked part-time in the cafeteria at Becker schools, Beck’s greenhouse in Elk River, and FSI in Monticello.

Once the children were in school full-time Marilyn worked for Anderson-Gilyard in Becker, MN for 17 years, she then cared for her mother, Elsie, until her death at 101 yrs old. Marilyn worked as the custodian at Becker Baptist Church for 20+ years and continued working there until the time of her death.

Marilyn loved finding a good deal! One of her joys was collecting items to be included in shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. She was also very dedicated to her family and loved helping with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her great joy.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Elsie Johnson; husband, Joseph; brothers: Roger Johnson, Glenn Johnson, and Kenneth Johnson.

She is survived by her son, Chad Arthur (Carol) of Big Lake, MN; daughter, Angie Agner (Dale) of Omaha, NE; grandchildren: Logan, Hanna, Madelyn; great-grandchildren: O’hana, Scarlett, Ziyah, Savannah; brother Donald (Debbie); sisters-in-law Gwen and Laurel; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and others that will miss her very much.

A celebration of Marilyn’s life will take place at Becker Baptist Church in Becker, MN at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 4. Visitation at 10:00 am, luncheon to follow service.

In lieu of flowers, please assemble an OCC shoebox and/or make a contribution to Operation Christmas Child.