Teresa Marie Marzluf Johnson, 78, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 8:06 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born December 31, 1945, in Granite City, Illinois, a daughter of the late Charles Joseph and Lillie Belle (Hon) Marzluf. She married Robert L. “Bob” Johnson on November 7, 1975, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Granite City, Illinois and they were happily married for 41 years until he passed away on August 25, 2016. She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Christine and Charles Oettle of Granite City, Illinois and Candice and Christopher Valencia of Bloomington, Indiana; granddaughter, Ava Valencia of Bloomington, Indiana; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Juliana and Gary Giuka of Goreville, Illinois and Elizabeth Marzluf of O’Fallon, Illinois; sister-in-law, Karen Marzluf of Granite City; many nieces; nephews; other extended family and friends. In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Phillip Marzluf, Joseph Marzluf and Walter Marzluf. Teresa was lucky to find love again and is survived by her beloved partner of five years, David King of Granite City.
Teresa was a 1963 graduate of Saint Teresa Academy High School in East St. Louis, Illinois. She joined Adorers of the Blood of Christ Convent in Ruma, Illinois following graduation, where she developed her passion for teaching and made many lifelong friends. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from St. Louis University and Master’s of Arts in English from the University of Illinois. Teresa had a career in education spanning nearly 40 years as a language arts instructor, media specialist and English Department Head at Southwestern Illinois College and Granite City High School North and South. She retired from the Granite City School District in 2007. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Parish in Granite City and New Bethel United Methodist Church in Glen Carbon. She was a loyal supporter of many charitable and environmental organizations throughout the years and had a special love for animals. She enjoyed her days reading, cooking, traveling, gardening, spending time at her Pinnacle Lake Estates cabin, and staying abreast of political news and current events. Teresa will always be remembered for her devotion to her family, friends, and precious pets, and her passion for traveling, which is evident in her eclectic collections of art, books, and many decorative touches throughout her home.
In celebration of her life, a memorial visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until time of a memorial service at 1:00 p.m with Rev. Dr. Penelope H. Barber officiating. Memorials may be made to Renee’s Rescue Sanctuary, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or your local animal shelter and may be accepted at the funeral chapel. www.irwinchapel.com.
