Melanie Johnson Obituary Melanie Johnson, age 70, passed away Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Essentia Health St. Marys Medical Center in Duluth. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at St. Christopher's Catholic Church in Nisswa, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. The family invites all those who are fortunate to own one of Melanies beautiful, handcrafted purses to bring it with them to Mass on Tuesday. Melanie was born May 10, 1951 to Carlos and Justine (Prisbe) Sunne in Faulkton, South Dakota. She was selected as the representative of Faulkton High School as Snow Queen, and Miss Congeniality for Snow Queen of the state of South Dakota. She attended Northern State University in Aberdeen and graduated with a degree in art education. For fifteen years, Melanie taught art to Kindergarten through 12th grade students. In 1990, she married Steven L. Johnson. Melanie enjoyed painting Viking Folk Art and published a book of her work in 2004, entitled Sunne Shine. Melanies faith was a sustaining force in her life. She was an active member of St. Christophers Catholic Church in Nisswa where she served as a lector, lead the Rosary at morning Mass, and brought the Eucharist to those unable to attend church in person. In 2008, under the director of Our Lady of the Valley Monastery, Melanie became a Cistercian Oblate of the St. Benedict. Melanie is survived by her beloved husband, Steven; stepdaughter, Katie (Rohman) and her husband Derrick; stepson, Dana and his wife Molly and their children, Asher and August; mother, Justine; brother, Randy (Shari) Sunne; nieces and nephews, Morgan (Adam) Bobzien, Grant (Rachel) Sunne, Blake (Noel) Sunne and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Carlos. Arrangements are being completed by Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, Brainerd. Services Visitation Tuesday June 1, 2021 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM St. Christopher s Catholic Church (Nisswa) Interment Tuesday June 1, 2021 4:53 PM Greenwood Cemetery