Marlene J. Johnson, 73, of Jackson R oad ., Ironwood Township, died Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at Aspirus Grand View Hospital in Ironwood, with her family by her side.      The former Marlene Rantanen was born Nov. 15, 1939, in  the t own of Kimball, Wis., daughter of the late Verner and Laila (Mattila) Rantanen. She attended Ironwood and Detroit schools, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1957.      She was married to Lyle Johnson on Nov. 16, 1957, at Salem Lutheran Church in Ironwood, by the Rev. Dean Gevik.      Marlene was employed in housekeeping and as desk clerk at the Indianhead Motel on Cloverland Drive in Ironwood for several years. She enjoyed reading, playing board games and Yahtzee, and spending time with her family and grandchildren. She was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Ironwood.      Surviving are her husband, Lyle, of 55 years; a daughter, Trixine (Mike) Tahtinen, Oostburg, Wis.; two sons, Jeffrey (Robin), Washburn, Wis., and Kevin (Jodie), Ironwood Township; five grandchildren, Betsy Tahtinen, Hancock, Stephanie Tahtinen, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Dana (John) Welch, Torino, Italy, Christopher Johnson, Washburn, and Ethan Johnson, Ironwood Township; a sister, Beverly Chiantello, Milwaukee; two nephews, Brian Chiantello, Colgate, Wis., and Michael (Debbie) Chiantello, Delafield, Wis.; and a sister-in-law, Shirley (David) Bordinat, Okemos.      Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Ryan Johnson, in Dec ember 1984; and a brother, Marvin Rantanen.      Out of respect for Marlene's wishes, cremation has taken place.      Memorial services will be held Saturday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Peggy Rose officiating.      Committal will follow.      Spring interment will be in Sunset Acres Cemetery, Ironwood Township.      In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem Lutheran Church, 333 E. Aurora St., Ironwood, MI 49938.      To view Marlene's obituary online, sign her guestbook or express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.