Mark’s Obituary
Mark D. Johnson, of Superior, WI, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 28, 2025 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s.
Born on September 25, 1946, in Duluth, MN, Mark was the eldest of eight children born to Rita (Lapp) and Warren Johnson. He attended Cathedral High School in Superior and the University of Wisconsin-Superior where he was a member of the FEX fraternity.
Mark married the love of his life, Julianne (Korf), in Mora, MN, on June 13, 1970, after completing an 18-month deployment in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he served as a dog handler in the Military Police division.
In 1977, Mark and Julie moved their young family from St. Paul, MN, to Duluth, MN. He launched Johnson Insurance Consultants with just a typewriter and rented desk from his friend and mentor, Lenard Rudolph. Over the years, he grew the company into a prominent fixture in the life insurance and financial planning industry. He served as President of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) during the 1997-1998 term and was a proud member of the Million Dollar Round Table.
Locally, Mark was the president and a member of the Rotary Club 25, served on the local PBS board, the United Way board, was the president of the Kitchi Gammi Club, and served as a member of the Marshall School Board of Directors. He also contributed his time as a member of the parish council at the Cathedral of Christ the King.
Mark had a passion for the outdoors, particularly enjoying time spent on the Brule River in Wisconsin and served on the Four Cedars Conservancy. Throughout his life, he loved sailing, golfing, riding his BMW motorcycle, and driving a variety of sports cars.
He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Rosmond, as well as his parents and four siblings: Diane (Larry) Larson, Dean (Barbara) Johnson, Barbara (Michael) Kozak, and Michael (Debbie) Johnson.
Mark is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Julie; daughters Erin (Damian) Makela and Meghan (Nick) Hackard; and grandchildren Tristan, Katelyn, Gracie, Fianne, and Jaida. He is also survived by his siblings Mary (Dale) Thompson, Brian (Kristin) Johnson, and Christina (Scott) Schellpfeffer, along with many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Downs Life Celebration Center, 1902 N 34th St. on Monday, August 11 from 4-6 p.m., with a prayer service at 6 p.m. to conclude the evening. The visitation will resume Tuesday, August 12th from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Cathedral of Christ the King, 1111 Belknap St., with Fr. Andrew Ricci officiating.
Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Superior with military honors accorded by the Richard I Bong American Legion Post #435.
In lieu of flowers, please send gifts in memory of Mark to Cathedral School, 1419 Baxter Avenue, Superior, WI, or visit superiorcathedralschool.org/donate.
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