Mary Ann (Christensen) Johnson May 10, 1929 - June 10, 2025
Mary Ann Johnson, 96, passed away peacefully in Waconia, MN.
Born in Chicago to Edith (Skog) Christensen and Oluf Kristensen, she spent most of her adult life in Lake Forest, II and Baileys Harbor, WI, communities she deeply loved. A 1951 graduate of St. Olaf College, she earned her degree in History and Spanish and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In 1953 she married James H. Johnson.
Inspired by her Scandinavian heritage, Mary Ann founded Hjertehjem ("Home of the Heart") in Baileys Harbor in 1969, later opening a second location in Lake Forest, IL. For more than four decades she cultivated a devoted following with her knowledge, hospitality, and love of Nordic design.
In the late 1970s, Mary Ann began researching the history of Baileys Harbor and the broader Door County region. She created videos and compiled extensive written histories, which she shared at town meetings and donated to the Baileys Harbor Historical Society and Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison, where they remain archived as part of the state's permanent historical record. She was active in St. Olaf alumni life, receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1978, serving as president of the Chicago alumni club for 45 years, and founding the Door County club in 1988. The Door County St Olaf club was a beloved fixture in Baileys Harbor's July 4th parade, marching with banners, songs, matching shirts, and returning to Hjertehjem for coffee and a giant "Um! Yah! Yah!" cake.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, James; her parents; sister La Vonne (George) Sullivan; and brother James (Carol) Christensen. She is survived by her children Dr. Chris (Julie) Johnson of Minnetrista, MN, and Lisa Johnson of St. Anthony, MN; grandchildren Erik Maier and Suzannah (Gabe) Johnson McAndrews; and extended family in the U.S., Sweden, and Denmark.
Memories may be shared with the family at MaryAnnJohnsonMemories@gmail.com. Memorials: St. Olaf College Scholarship Fund; Baileys Harbor Historical Society. Huber Funeral Home 952-472-1716
