Obituary of Marian Jane Alinder

Marian Alinder, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully, March 6th, 2025, just 16 days shy of her 103rd birthday.  Marian lived a life rich in love, faith and devotion to both her family and her personal growth.  Soft-spoken and graceful, she touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, always offering warmth and kindness. 

As a child of the “Great Depression”, Marian cherished the simple joys in life and accepted life as it came.  This meant moving several times with her parents and older brother from Mandan, ND where she was born to La Bolt, SD.  There as a young girl she’d roller-skate down main street and worked in Anderson’s General Store after school where she met and made girlfriends she’d have for life.  They later moved to Isanti, MN where she graduated from Cambridge High School and met her first love, Edward Alinder.  On a Friday evening in June of 1941, at age 19, Marian wed Edward and two days later they left Minnesota to start their lives in Pasadena, CA.  Marian’s work life began when she worked on the escape hatches of P-38’s for Lockheed Aircraft.  After WW2 they returned to Minnesota to manage the family farm in rural Le Sueur.  The next years were busy with family life and raising their four children, Gary, Jane, John and Steve.  Days were spent baking, canning, gardening and running kids to school events but there was still time for square dancing or cards with friends. 

A reserved woman, Marian attended First Lutheran of Le Sueur for 76 years and was dedicated to her faith and loved being an active part of bible studies, quilting group and social ministry projects.  She also enjoyed learning and staying active with groups like P.E.O, Home Extension and Minnesota Welsh Association where she could connect with others.  Her inquisitive nature, combined with a love for tradition also led her to a passion for antique collecting.  She loved a good auction, where she delighted in history and beauty of the past.  Antiques, home decorating, setting a beautiful table and dressing with style was her signature.  She was a family caregiver for over 20 years for her husband Edward and her aging parents.  After Edward died, she married her brother-in-law Harold Alinder at the historic church in Ottawa, MN.  They enjoyed four years together.   

Later in life she lost her vision to macular degeneration yet she would never let her age or poor eyesight get in the way of living her best life.  Even as she aged, she loved traveling.  Whether it was a quick trip to explore the local sights such as Oronoco flea markets, pie at The Dam Store or a nice drive through the country on a sunny day.  She also loved to see the sights of Europe where she traveled to Wales at age 85 and a river cruise through Germany at age 90, a trip to Hawaii at age 94 for a granddaughter’s wedding and a final big trip to Palm Desert at age 101!  She reveled in new experiences and whatever the world had to offer.  As a result, she was always very interested in keeping up on local and world events.  A strong and determined woman, she lived independently until age 100. 

Through it all, Marian’s greatest joy in life was her family.  She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, whose quiet strength and unwavering love provided a foundation for all who knew her.  She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love of learning and the grace with which she lived each day.  Marian’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.  May she rest in peace, knowing her life was a testament to kindness, faith, and a love that will never be forgotten. 

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Elvin and Myrtle Peterson, brother John Peterson, husbands Edward and Harold Alinder and two infant children.  Survivors include Gary Alinder of Vallejo CA, Jane (Lyle) Fahning of Lakeville MN, John (Jackie) Alinder of Prior Lake MN and Steve (Kim) Alinder of Mankato MN, five granddaughters Sarah, Carrie, Laura, Emily and Laura; and twelve great grandchildren.  The family wishes to thank The Mankato Lodge Senior Living community for their kindness and friendship to Marian in a place she was able to call “home”.  Also, a big thank you to St. Croix Hospice for their support and care during her final weeks.  

Marian’s service will be held on Saturday, May 3rd at First Lutheran Church in Le Sueur, MN with visitation beginning at 9:30am and church service at 11:00.  In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.  They may be directed to the Alinder Family Endowment at First Lutheran Church for social concerns, Ottawa Historians or the U of MN Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Research Fund.