Marion Johnston, age 83, of Brookings, South Dakota, died Thursday, May 7, 2009, at his home.Memorial services will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, May 12, 2009, atEidsness Funeral Homein Brookings. Visitations will be from 5-7 P.M. Monday at Eidsness Funeral Home.
Marion Russel Johnston was born September 10, 1925, at Brookings, South Dakota, to John W. and Mary Lurene (Duff) Johnston. Marion received his eight years of primary education at Sterling District No. 44,and graduated from Brookings High School in 1943. While in high school he earned the American Farmer Degree.
Marion farmed with his father for several years. On January 30, 1949, he wasunited in marriage toAnmae Moberg. He was employed at Sokota Hybrid Producers in Brookings, where he and Anmae became part of the Sokota family. Marion ended up working in corn research for many years.
Marion was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Brookings. Heenjoyed being a member of the 4-H Club. He was a Past Exalted Ruler of B.P.O.E 1490 in Brookingsand a life member of the Elks. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his familyand friends.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years,Anmae; four children: Greg (Michelle) Johnston of Miles City, Montana,Pamela (Jack) Schricker of Pagosa Springs, Colorado,John (Mary) Johnston, and Jodi (Butch) Friedelof Brookings; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Kathryn Chester, of Brookings. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Charles Chester; and great-grandson, Charlie Johnston.