Marlene F. Eckholm, 87, Bismarck went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on October 09, 2023. A memorial service will be held on
Friday, October 13, 2023 at 10:00 AM, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Rev. Bill Rindy officiating. Burial will be held at the North
Dakota Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5-7:30 PM at the Bismarck Funeral Home and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Marlene was born on March 19, 1936, the 4 th of 6 children to John and Erna Merkel (Weisenburger). She went to various schools as a result of
John and Erna moving around the western part of ND operating bakeries and cafés in various towns. She would finish out her education and
graduate from Bismarck High School.
Marlene married Walter Eckholm on November 7, 1954 in Bismarck ND. The wedding was unique in that it was a double wedding with Arvada, Marlene’s sister marrying Wesley Johnson. After the wedding vows they settled on a farm southwest of Wing where Walter farmed with his brother (Andrew). In July 1960 Walter accepted the postmaster position in Wing, therefore the family moved to Wing to continue with life and raising a family. Marlene sold Avon in Wing in her early years and later worked as a cook at the Wing Public School until her retirement. They had a large yard and a good-sized garden which kept everyone busy. She is a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary. They moved to Bismarck in 1992 to enjoy their retirement. Since 2018 she was a resident of Touchmark, Edgewood and eventually Missouri Slope Care Center until her death.
Marlene enjoyed spending time with family and friends and especially enjoyed crocheting, especially when it came time to crochet a hat or blanket for her grandchildren. She even tried teaching the art to her children but it must not have worked because none of them became very proficient at it.
She is survived by sons Dallas (Barb) and Bryce (Scarlett) all of Bismarck; daughter Candice (Kelly) Gartner, Mandan; seven grandchildren, Ryan (Amanda) Gartner, Mandan; Tyler (Keah) Gartner, Bismarck; Brandon (Tess), Bismarck, Jordan, Bismarck; Marlee (Jordan) Buechler, Bismarck; Micah, (Ethan) Silliman, Bismarck; and Levi, Wing; Eleven great-grandchildren, Emmy, Hunter, Elly, Parker and Ava Gartner; Chloe, Liam and Oliver Eckholm; Finn and Briar Buechler; Adreanna Kolb; sisters Arvada Johnson, Bismarck and Geraldine (Bud) Germundson Minot and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marlene was preceded in death by her husband Walter (2013), her parents, two brothers Lee and Arnold; one sister Ilene and numerous extended family members.
The family would like to thank the staff at Touchmark, Edgewood and Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center (4 th floor) for the care given these last 5 years. In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to the ND Veterans Cemetery.