Marion O. Beseman

Loving Mother, Grandma, and Great Grandma (aka Grandma Grandma) passed away peacefully on September 17 at the age of 92. Having lost her husband of 70 years, Merlin, three months earlier, she simply missed him too much stay behind. Together they have left a legacy of family with 4 children, 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren (and one on the way). 

Marion was born on August 14, 1932, in Newfolden, Minnesota, to Ben and Palma Gillund. Her grandparents came from Norway and brought their Lutheran heritage and love of lutefisk with them. She spent the first eleven years of her life on a farm in the area, and then the family moved to Valley City, North Dakota. She loved living in town so she could spend more time with her friends. After high school, Marion and her cousin Donna went to Minneapolis to find jobs and an apartment, among other adventures. She quickly got an office job at Honeywell, where she met Merlin. They married in 1954 and she worked until her first child, Karen, was born. 

Marion was an exceptional and nurturing mother. She said the best part of her marriage was having her children and grandchildren. She provided a secure and loving home working like it was a paid job. She did some type of cleaning or home chore every day and the family had dinner together at the table every night. She loved music, cooking, gardening, playing cards and being with friends and family.

Merlin and Marion provided a wonderful lake life for the family, starting with a small cabin on Blackhoof Lake in Crosby. Later they built a home on Rabbit Lake in Crosby, where they eventually retired, enjoying being part of a small community like in their upbringing. The lake was always a gathering place for family.

Marion’s lasting legacy is her family which she loved, nurtured and cared for in every way. It has been the privilege of her children to care for her in the past years as she cared for them throughout their lives. We are grateful that she is free of her fragile body and confused mind and safe in the care of Jesus.  

Survived by her family, whom she valued above everything, including her children Karen (Dave) Hughes of Coon Rapids, MN, Annette Beseman of Blaine, MN, Michael (Katie) Beseman of Elk River, MN, and Paul (Jamie) Beseman of Blaine, MN; grandchildren Eric (Sahira) Hughes, Amy Hughes, Heather (Ron) Carlson, Carly (Ryan) Crawford, Ben (Laura) Beseman, Kallie (Deven) Sunell, and Blake Beseman; great grandchildren Bryce Hughes; Nevaeh Hughes; Elysia Paugh; Summit, Valor, Caliber & Cedar Carlson; Cade & Callen Crawford; Genevieve & Waylon Beseman.

Preceded in death by loving husband, Merlin, parents Ben and Palma Gillund, brothers Carvel and Paul (Buddy) Gillund, and sister Dorothy Johnson. 

Thank you to the staff of Personal Care Senior Living (special thanks to Candace, her loving aide), and the Hospice of the Midwest Care Team for their care, particularly during her final days. 

 Visitation will be held October 22, 6-8pm at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, MN. Celebration of Life on October 23 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 61 Mississippi St NE, Fridley, MN (visitation at 10am, service at 11am, luncheon at 12pm). A live stream of the service will be provided via a link on this page the day of her service (and available later as well). 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be provided to either of Marion’s church homes: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Crosby, MN or Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fridley, MN.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”  Psalm 116:15