Marian Johannsen

Born in South Dakota, Marian also lived in Hawarden, Iowa until moving to Phoenix, Arizona. She was born Marian Peck to Lu Verne and Olive Peck and lovingly mostly raised by her grandparents Floyd and Hattie Peck, first in South Dakota and then in Iowa.

After graduating Hawarden High School and employment in Hawarden, Marian married Donald Johannsen of Alcester, South Dakota in 1949. They continued to reside in Hawarden, and then had one daughter, Christie. In the late 1950’s the family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona. Don and Marian celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on November 10th in 2001 before he passed away in January of 2002.

Marian loved hosting family and holiday get-togethers and dinners. She also liked quiet time reading. She was a music lover, especially hymns and country music. She also made her own music playing the piano and the organ. Marian always was drawn to children, and they were always drawn to her. A champion of children’s causes, her favorite charities were Boy’s Town in Nebraska, St. Joseph’s Indian School for the Lakota (Sioux) children, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis. Marian became a fan of Elvis Presley by osmosis as her daughter always had his records playing. This resulted in the two of them taking a car trip to Las Vegas in 1973 to see Elvis live in concert at the International (Hilton) Hotel. What a Mother/Daughter trip was that.

Marian was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents and dear grandparents, her sister and brother-in-law Eunice and Al Pulscher and her brother Armand Peck. Also gone before her were aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws from the Johannsen, Stinton, Peck, Hilliker and King families.

A very special friendship was had with a young gal named Leslie Gray. Marian became her babysitter when Leslie was 6 weeks old in 1982. As the years passed, Leslie grew older and Marian grew old. They shared a loving friendship that was something special to observe. Forty-four years later, Leslie was by Marian’s side for hours the evening before her death.

Marian loved her family and friends, and her God and her Country with all her heart and soul. She lived a life of grace and kindness. Her daughter Christie Walzer and her son-in-law Harold Walzer will miss her “forever and ever and a day”.

A Visitation will be held at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 West Northern Ave, Glendale, Arizona 85301, on June 1, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at 10:30 am at the same location.

A Graveside Service will take place at Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6450 West Northern Avenue, Glendale, Arizona, on June 1, 2026, at 11:30 am.