Marlene Larsen

Marlene Evelyn Leininger was born on August 13, 1940, in Wheaton, Minnesota.  Her parents were the late Carl Henry and Evelyn Leona (Gauger) Leininger.  Marlene was Baptized in September of 1940 and Confirmed on June 19, 1954, at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Wheaton. She graduated from the West Central School of Ag in Morris, Minnesota with the class of 1958.

On May 16, 1959, Marlene was united in marriage with Loyal Larsen at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Wheaton.  Their marriage was blessed with three children: Debera, Vicki and James.  Marlene and Loyal made their home on Loyal’s family farm in rural Underwood, Minnesota where they resided for 61 years.  She was employed as a Para at Underwood Elementary School and later worked for Farmers State Bank in Underwood. 

Loyal passed away on December 28, 2017.  Marlene made her home at Willow Creek Assisted Living in Henning, Minnesota since May of 2021.  She was active in Homemakers, Women’s Study Club, WELCA, Sverdrup 4-H Leader, multiple bible studies and volunteered for many years at the Fergus Falls Food Shelf.  She enjoyed flower gardening, especially her roses, baking, especially her caramel rolls, attending bible studies, traveling, camping and snowmobiling.

On November 8, 2024, Marlene passed away peacefully at 84 years of age at her home within Willow Creek Assisted Living surrounded by her loving family, many excellent caregivers at Willow Creek and the gentle care of Knute Nelson Hospice. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.  Preceding Marlene in death were her parents: Carl and Evelyn Leininger; husband, Loyal and brother Daryl Leininger.

Marlene is survived by her children: Debera (Mitch) Krog of Henning; Vicki (Art) Ross of Kingsville, Missouri and James Larsen of Battle Lake;  Grandchildren:  Dirk Krog, Joe (Becca) Larsen, Kaitlin Larsen, Dane (Bailey) Ross, Emilie (Michael) Davis, Dakota Ross; Great-grandchildren:  Wyatt, Maddie and Levi Larsen, Waylon and Colton Davis;  siblings: Fay Herzog of Shakopee and David Leininger of Dumont; many other relatives and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Knute Nelson Hospice or Willow Creek Assisted Living.

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