Marlis Amy Pilgrim was born on May 1, 1934, at Wesley Hospital in Wadena to Guy & Doris (Alfredson) Harvego. She graduated from Wadena High School with the class of 1952.  On February 14, 1953, Marlis married James (Jim) R. Pilgrim.  She lived her entire life in the Wadena Area.

Marlis worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for many years.  She was a member of the Methodist church in Wadena and was a past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 171.

Marlis had many interests which included her special friendship with her English pen-pal and meeting on both sides of the Atlantic several times, traveling aboard which included riding a camel in Jericho and the kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland; winter trips to Laughlin, Nevada with Jim, she was also enjoyed cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and Timberwolves.

She enjoyed her Thursdays with the Methodist “Cat-Ups” quilting group at church, movies from the 1940’s and 50’s as well as English literature and genealogy. She was a contestant on “The Price is Right” in 1986.  Attending the activities of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was very important to her.  Most of all Marlis looked forward to the time when her entire family could be together.

Marlis is preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim; daughter Pamela; granddaughter Heather Ehrman and sister Elaine Selander.

Marlis will be remembered by her children: Jim Pilgrim Jr and Paula (Dan) Olson; grandchildren: Charles Sackett, Kelly & Adam Nourie, Jamie & Adam Powers, Stephanie & Weston Alseth, Rick Ehrman; great-grandchildren: Joshua Sackett, Jordan Sackett, Jackson Nourie, Allison Nourie, Logan Powers, Riley Powers, Easton Alseth, Neva Alseth, Winnie Alseth, Olivia Sharp, Harrison Ehrman, Caiden Ehrman, Remington Ehrman, Brody Ehrman; nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.