Marlene Ann Mitchell

Marlene Mitchell, born July 1, 1956, to Daisy (Allen) and Jerome Johnson, passed peacefully on January 17, 2025, at her home, surrounded by family.
Marlene’s life was a testament to her dedication, passion, and love for her family and community. She spent 27 years serving at Leech Lake Housing Authority, retiring as Director. Marlene’s work in her community included four years as a District 2 Housing Board Commissioner, and she made history in 2014 as the first Native American to serve on the Northland Remer School Board. She was also an active member of the Kego Lake Local Indian Council for many years. Marlene was deeply committed to helping others and improving the lives of those around her.
Marlene married Thomas Mitchell, Jr., on June 4, 1986. She loved spending time with her family, cooking big meals, and visiting with loved ones. Her favorite pastime was reading Danielle Steele books, and her therapy was playing the slot machines at the casino. She was a caring woman with a huge heart, always putting others before herself.
Those greeting Marlene in the spirit world are her parents; Jerome, Daisy Johnson, husband; Thomas Mitchell Jr., son; Rodney Johnson Jr., unborn baby; sister; Geraldine Gale, brother; Bruce Johnson, daughter-in-law; Susie Allen, nephews; Jerome Johnson Sr., Justin “Ernie” Johnson great-grandson Roger “baby RJ” Johnson.
Those left behind to cherish her memories, daughters; Melissa (Frank) LaRose, Charlene Mitchell, Jenna (Dion) Mitchell, Lucy Mitchell, brothers; Richard Johnson, Robert (Sherry) Johnson Sr., and David Johnson, sister; Lorraine Johnsons. 23 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. 
The wake for Marlene will begin at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, and continue until her traditional service on Thursday, January 23, 2025, 10:00 a.m., all to be held at the Onigum Center in Onigum, MN.  Allen Hardy will be her Spiritual Advisor. Those helping to lay Marlene to rest are Jerrod Johnson, Rodger Johnson Sr., Frank LaRose Sr., Arthur LaRose, David Curry, Charles Rice Sr., and Kenneth Jeffery. Her honorary pallbearers are Aaron Jackson, Steve Johnson, Dion Bertsch, Jim Pervis, Ted and Esther Boada, and all of her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment will be immediately following her service at the Onigum Catholic Cemetery.
Marlene’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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