Marlys Masterjohn

Marlys R. (McKenzie) Masterjohn, age 92, died Thursday, August 14, 2025 at St. Anne Extended Healthcare in Winona, MN.

Marlys was born May 20, 1933, at the home farm in rural Cherry Grove, Fillmore County, MN, to Ralph “Jack” and Nellie (Ramaker) McKenzie. She was the youngest of 5 siblings, and enjoyed a close-knit family growing up. Marlys graduated high school and moved to Winona, MN to attend cosmetology school. She married her first husband, Mickey Meyer, and together they owned and operated Langs Bar in Winona. To this union one son, Steven, was born. The family enjoyed spending many summers in their happy place of Shell Lake, WI. The couple later divorced, and Marlys moved to Shell Lake to become a full-time resident. It was here that she met her second husband, Ronald Masterjohn, and the couple created a loving home on the shores of the lake. They loved to spend their time fishing, and enjoying friends and family. Marlys was known for planting her favorite red geraniums everywhere! She said the red color made her happy.

Marlys is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Neil, and Roger; sister and best friend, LaVonne; husbands Mickey Meyer and Ronald Masterjohn.

She is survived by her son Steven (Kathy) Meyer of Winona; grandchildren: Karissa (Ryan) Pecinovski of Crystal, MN, Nicole (Justin) Johnson of Champlin, MN, Brent Banicki (fiancé Andrea Hall) of French Island, WI, and Brad (Jamie) Meyer of Sun Prairie, WI; great-grandchildren: Aviana, James, and Jaxson Pecinovsky, Eli, Coltan, and Lainey Meyer; brother, Charles (Mickey) McKenzie of Chatfield, MN; many wonderful nieces and nephews; closest friends: Jim Meyers, Sandy (Sam) Meyers, Penny Stake, Shannon Klopp, and her many friends from Klopp’s Bar in Shell Lake, WI.

Private services will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Shell Lake, WI, with her husband, the love of her life, by her side.