Maribel Edith Johnson

June 27, 1935 — April 17, 2024

Maribel Johnson

Service Details

Maribel Caquelin Wininger Johnson passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Prairie Vista Village. She was born to Harvey Lee and Velma Mosher Caquelin on a farm near Elk River, MN on June 27, 1935.

She lived there until she was six years old and then the family moved to Eagle Grove, IA where they joined grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins in Wright County. In 1945 her parents and brother, Robert moved to Natrona County, WY. There they lived on an oil field 30 miles from the nearest town. Winters were very severe there and often there was nothing to eat except deer and antelope. After her dad’s death in 1951 she and her mother returned to Clarion, IA to live with her maternal grandparents by this time Robert was serving his country in the US Navy. Maribel graduated from High School in 1953 and started working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. Her grandparents and mother passed away during those years so she transferred to Mountain States Tel & Tel Co in Casper, WY and enjoyed several different jobs. By then Robert had returned to Clarion, married and started his family. Maribel decided to transfer to Des Moines, IA rather than spend all her vacations in Iowa with her only immediate family. She enjoyed many different jobs during the next many years. She married John Wininger III and enjoyed two stepchildren, Marcia and John IV in that union. She retired from US West Telephone in 1986 and divorced soon after that. She worked part-time for Trison Corporation for four years. In 1989 she met and married Don Johnson, the love of her life. She enjoyed three stepchildren in this union Michael, Stephanie and John. Maribel and Don finished their working careers at the Skinner Law Office in Altoona. They spent their retirement years travelling on bus trips, a train, car and many cruises. They were very active in ZaGaZig Shrine activities. Maribel also enjoyed daughters of the Nile and Telephone Pioneers of America activities.

She was preceded by her parents, her siblings Robert, Dean, Lola and Elda and stepson John H. Johnson.

Left to mourn her are her loving husband Don, stepchildren John Wininger IV (Sherry), Marcia Wininger McCoun, Michael (Kris) Johnson and Stephanie Johnson. Six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. There are nieces and nephew and many cousins who were very dear to her as well as many friends and bonus family.

A memorial service will be held at later date and cremains will be interred at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League in memory of Maribel.

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