Marcia Sue Johnson

Marcia Sue Johnson passed away on March 18, 2025, in Lakewood, Colorado after a long and courageous battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). For the last year of her life, Marcia lived with 10% lung functionality and put up an incredible fight. She passed away peacefully under hospice care with her daughter present, holding her hand.

Marcia was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa on July 1, 1955, to Mary and Emil Christians. Marcia moved with her parents and two siblings to St. Joseph, Missouri in 1968, and in 1973, Marcia graduated with Honors from Central High School. Being the fiercely independent woman she was, Marcia moved to Denver, Colorado on her own in 1975. Marcia studied and graduated summa cum laude from Metropolitan State College with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in Business Administration. Following graduation, Marcia worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Denver Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) where she met and later married her ex-husband, Lynn Johnson. Marcia and Lynn share one daughter, Lauren Linnertz, born in 1986.

Marcia spent most of her prestigious career working as a Human Resources Manager/Director for Knowledge Learning Corporation, Children’s Courtyard, and Septodont Inc. Marcia possessed extensive knowledge of federal and state employment law and demonstrated excellence in employee relations. Throughout her career, Marcia developed and refined compensation systems, policies and procedure manuals and employee handbooks. She acted as a recruiter and trainer and received numerous company customer service and training awards. Most notably, Marcia built enduring friendships with her employees, peers, and supervisors, providing guidance and mentorship to many.

Marcia cherished her time with family and friends. For several years she made annual trips to Mexico with her girlfriends and played in recreational softball leagues with coworkers and friends. Above all, Marcia loved trips to Blackhawk, Colorado to play slots and blackjack. Marcia was an avid sports fan, and was most passionate about baseball, tennis and football. The Kansas City Chiefs will forever be her team.

Marcia’s second home was Phoenix Arizona. By 1991, Marcia’s parents and siblings resided there with their respective families. Marcia traveled to Phoenix often and was a dedicated and proud aunt to her niece and nephews. Arguably Marcia’s most profound and fulfilling role in recent years was being a grandmother. She became “Grandma Marcia” to her step-granddaughter, Addison Linnertz in 2018 and “Nana” to Vivienne Linnertz in 2021. Marcia’s love for her granddaughters was pure and deep and the joy they brought to her life was unparalleled.

Marcia is survived by her daughter, Lauren Linnertz; son-in-law Derik Linnertz; granddaughters Addison and Vivienne Linnertz; brother, Les Christians; sister-in-law, Katherine Christians; sister, Mindy Christians- Smith; and brother-in-law, Dan Smith. She is remembered by her two nephews Chris and Cory Christians; her niece, Dani Smith; her great nieces and nephews, her aunt Sheryl Tyrell, and numerous cousins.

Marcia is preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Mary Christians and numerous aunts and uncles.

Marcia will be profoundly missed yet warmly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 28, 2025, from 2pm-6pm at Marcia’s long-time home: 2344 W. 23rd Circle, Golden, CO 80401. Marcia wanted a “party” where friends and family gather, eat, drink and enjoy being with one another.

For those able, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Marcia’s name.