Services
Obituary
Mary Johnson, 87, of Belmond, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond.
Funeral services for Mary Johnson will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 304 3rd Avenue Northeast in Belmond, with Pastor Katie Pals officiating. Burial will be in the Belmond Cemetery.
Visitation will be held 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 304 3rd Avenue Northeast in Belmond and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
Mary Louise Carlson was born November 7, 1938, in Leland, IL, to the Reverend Walter E. Carlson and Solveig (Moen) Carlson. She graduated from Stanhope High School in 1956 and continued her education at Waldorf College in Forest City, IA, where she sang in the concert choir and received her teaching degree. While attending Waldorf, Mary met the love of her life, William R. (Bill) Johnson. They were united in marriage on June 4, 1960, in Stanhope, IA, by her father, Reverend Walter Carlson.
Mary taught 4th grade in both Algona and Belmond, IA. She and William made their home in Belmond for the 65 years of their life together and raised three daughters: Susan, Melanie, and Sally. For 10 years, Mary was an outstanding 4-H leader of the Pleasant Peppy Pals 4-H Club. She was a natural teacher of culinary skills, sewing, and home improvement, and her club produced numerous state fair exhibitors. She was also a gracious hostess, making everyone feel special and welcome.
Throughout her life in Belmond, Mary was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was active in Trinity Lutheran Church Women, Circle and study clubs, choir, Sunday and Bible school, and the annual Kaffe Lag. Mary was also a lifelong supporter of Waldorf University and an active Alumna, who traveled with the Waldorf Choir to Europe.
Together, Mary and Bill generously support the Waldorf scholarship program, campus beautification projects, and made possible Waldorf's return to a non-profit, faith-based university. Through the years they traveled the country and abroad on numerous Lutheran Brotherhood award trips, as well as journeys to Scandinavia and northern Europe. They enjoyed many winters in the Cave Creek area of Arizona.
Mary is survived by her husband William (Bill) and three daughters, Susan (Mark) Weigenant of Hager City, WI, Melanie (Todd) Steinkamp of Carroll, IA, Sally (Manny) Manzano of Golden Valley, MN; grandchildren, Emily (Quinton) Welsch Meece, Garrett Welsch, Oliver Schindler, and Zoe Schindler; brother Walter Carlson; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Walter and Solveig Carlson, sister, Diane Schroeder, and sister in law, Claudette Carlson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, the Belmond-Klemme Scholarship Foundation II, or the charity/organization of your choice. Cards and memorials may be sent to: The Family of Mary L. Johnson, c/o Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South, Belmond, IA, 50421.