I am Marian Johnson's first cousin. My mother, Loretta Mork Nueske, was the youngest sister of Marian's mother, Ella. Ella cared for and raised my mother from birth as their mother was occupied with the other 7 children.
When my parents and Marian's parents married, both families farmed in the Trout Ceek area outside of Iola, Wisconsin, enabling the sisters to keep up their friendship.
At an early age, I remember sitting at Marian's kitchen table with a mirror in my hands watching Marian arrange my hair in different styles.
Marian influenced and inspired me in many ways - with her exquisite sewing, knitting and crocheting creations ...and when she opened her very own beauty shop, she showed me that women could, even, succeed in the business world.
I, always, admired Marian's 'can-do-attitude,' her boundless energy and zest for life, her thoughtful opinions and her devotion to her family, her community and her church where she performed with the Handbell Choir.
I will treasure the wonderful conversations we shared and all the fun we had together.
Marian was an "A#1" cousin to me. I will miss her greatly!
with Sympathy, GLORIA NUESKE BUSSE