Discover Marilyn's Creations
MARILYN JOHANSEN, ARTIST & AUTHOR
Marilyn Johansen
Marilyn Johansen, a talented artist and author, invites you to explore her captivating world of creativity. Her artistic journey is a reflection of passion and dedication, leading to numerous prestigious awards and recognition. Delve into the pages of her latest book, 'My Father's Secrets,' a poignant memoir delving into her unique life as the daughter of an Air Force fighter pilot during the multiple wars.
Marilyn Johansen
In My Father’s Secrets, Marilyn tells the fascinating story of her family’s struggles and joys, as well as her father’s hidden intelligence gathering activities during reconnaissance flights & secret missions. Theirs was an “invisible” military family, living in far-flung locales across the world, always aware that their life quality came second to the importance of protecting the United States.
Marilyn Johansen in the News - February 14th, 2025
(WSVN) - The father of a South Florida woman was imprisoned by the Nazis during World War II. Eighty years later, she got to literally walk in his footsteps. 7’s Tavares Jones shines the Spotlight on their story.
Back in her South Florida condo, Marilyn Johansen has time to reflect.
Marilyn Johansen, daughter of World War II prisoner of war: “There were many of us that had an emotional experience. We felt our fathers with us in those moments.”
Moments Marilyn and her son experienced last month, about 5,000 miles away in Poland, and moments that connected generations. Read More or Watch the Video on the Channel 7 Website
My Father's Secrets
My Father’s Secrets
One daughter’s journey through war, secrecy, and the invisible weight of service.
Marilyn was born into a world shaped by conflict and duty. As the daughter of an Air Force fighter pilot whose career spanned WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, she lived a life of constant motion—never knowing where she’d land next, always tethered to the rhythms of war and diplomacy. Her father, once a P-38 pilot and POW, carried secrets that stretched across continents and decades.
From the Korean War to the Cold War, the Vietnam Era to the Civil Rights Movement, Marilyn grew up on the front row of history. Her memoir reveals the hidden world of military intelligence—reconnaissance flights, covert missions, and the quiet sacrifices of families who served without recognition. Through vivid storytelling and emotional clarity, My Father’s Secrets explores what it means to grow up in the shadow of national service, where love and loyalty are tested by the demands of a country at war.
This is not just a story of one man’s classified missions—it’s the story of a daughter uncovering the truth behind the uniform, and the cost of silence carried across generations.
My Father’s Secrets
Kim Gooch Gawne, A professional book reviewer said this about the book:
"For all who enjoy military history and a really good story, a new book is arriving in the form of a memoir about her father written by Marilyn Johansen. Her fathers incredible story showcases the life of an American devoted to service. He lived history that we can only read about, such as the World War II POW camps, the Nuremberg trials and the American diplomatic service. Throughout, the author includes aviation information and a fascinating section detailing the developments that arrived to us through conflict, such a s chemotherapy and our interstate highway system. This work will stand the test of time and would be a welcome addition to your collection."
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My Portfolio
Welcome to my portfolio. Here you’ll find a selection of my work. Click on one of the collections below to explore more of my paintings within that category.
KEY OFFERINGS
Artistic & Literary Works
Marilyn Johansen, a talented artist and author, presents a captivating blend of visual art and literary creations. Her portfolio showcases a diverse range of artworks, from watercolor to acrylic paintings, coupled with compelling narratives that reflect her personal journey and experiences.
Literary Works
Engaging Narratives
Delve into Marilyn's literary work, her latest book, 'My Father's Secrets,' a poignant memoir that unravels the complexities of her life as the daughter of an Air Force fighter pilot during the Cold War. Her writing captivates readers with its raw emotion and deep insights, offering a glimpse into her world.