Marlene Ann Isaacson, age 87, of Richfield, was called home with Jesus on Thursday, January 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Marlene was born on June 16, 1938 to parents Harry and Lucy Mueller. She grew up in Lydia, MN and graduated from Jordan High School. From an early age, Marlene was known for her strong work ethic, kind heart, and dedication to those she loved.

She began her working years at the Palm Plaza Motel and retired from Piper Jaffray. Even in retirement, Marlene never stopped working. She devoted her time to home health care and caring for her family.

Marlene was a faithful member of Berea Lutheran Church in Richfield, where she served and worshiped with deep devotion. Her faith guided her life and was evident in her compassion, generosity, and quiet strength.

She will be greeted in heaven by her loving parents, husband, Gene Isaacson; daughter, Doreen Isaacson; two sisters, Joan Turner and Janet Meyers; and other family and friends.

Marlene is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Deb and Wally McLean of Chaska; her three granddaughters, Traci Feit (Scott) of Chaska, Kristy Phipps (Josh) of Mayer, and Darcy Hensel (Dakota) of Watertown; her beloved great-grandchildren, Otto, Henry, Colton, Ryker and Nellamay; sister-in-law, Darlene Krueger; six nieces, one nephew, their spouses and other loving relatives and dear friends.

Marlene’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched with her warmth, faith, and selfless love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A special thanks to the staff at Carver Ridge Senior Living and Grace Hospice for their care and dedication to Marlene.

“Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.” John 16:22

Live stream of the service will be available on Berea Lutheran Church’s Facebook and YouTube Page.

A private interment will be held at St. John’s Cemetery in Chaska, MN, on a later date.

                                                                                Blessing of Life — Marlene Isaacson

                                                                                                   2/10/2026

Reading on behalf of Deb, Traci, Kristy and Darcy. 

Today we gather to honor and remember a truly remarkable woman—Marlene.

To us, she was Mom, Ma, Grandma, and Great Grandma, or “GG.” Each of those names carries love, history, and a lifetime of memories.

Marlene lived her life guided by faith. Her relationship with God shaped how she lived every day. She was devoted to her church family at Berea, attending Bible study, serving on the Alter Guild and even delivering communion to shut-ins, making sure no one felt forgotten. Her faith gave her purpose, strength, and a deep sense of compassion for others.

While we miss her deeply, we are also grateful that she is no longer in pain and is home with Jesus. And grateful for the image we all hold close—that she is dancing in heaven with Doreen and her sisters and many other family and friends, reunited and full of joy.

Marlene was born in Shakopee, grew up in Lydia and graduated from Jordan High School. She married Gene and they had two beautiful daughters. Marlene has three granddaughters and five great grandchildren. 

Marlene had a love for life that was impossible to miss. She loved animals, she loved dancing, and she loved staying busy. If you were looking for her, chances are she was on the move—in her little green car, always going somewhere, always doing something or with someone. 

Her favorite time was spent with family —especially her granddaughters and great-grandchildren, whom she was incredibly proud of. She loved hearing stories about the kids, watching baseball and soccer games, going to dance recitals, Christmas programs and band concerts. She didn’t miss a beat. 

She also loved sitting down with a cup of coffee—hot coffee, very hot coffee—with anyone who stopped by to visit or while reading her bible. Those moments of conversation and connection meant so much to her. She made people feel welcome, seen, and valued.

Marlene loved to travel and experience the world. From Italy to Alaska, the Bahamas, Florida, Texas, Nashville, and the Grand Canyon, she embraced adventure and new experiences with enthusiasm and joy.

She also loved bringing people together. She was known for hosting gatherings—Super Bowl parties, Fourth of July celebrations—gatherings in her gazebo during the warm months are full of memories we hold dear. Her house was a place of laughter, food, and togetherness. 

Her strong work ethic was another hallmark of her life. She worked at the Palm Plaza Motel, where her daughters would sometimes come with her when they were home sick—memories filled with pool time and falling in love with the show All My Children. She later retired from Piper Jaffray, and then continued serving others by working 14 years as a Home Health Aide. When asked if she would retire to a warm climate, she would state she would rather stay home and care for her first great grandson, Otto. 

Some of the most cherished memories are the simple ones—skipping to the park, bike rides around town, kids raking leaves in her yard, and getting a manicure. Even stories from earlier years—like her niece Connie waiting up late at night for her to come home from dates—remind us of the love and connection she shared with those around her. Her granddaughters had so many wild adventures with their grandma, many sleepovers. Grandma always had the best maple syrup and fresh popped popcorn. She taught the girls how to drive at a young age on the city streets of Richfield - the Ford Focus was the perfect little car to learn how to drive!!! On top of the silly things they did, she always made sure the girls looked their Sunday best for church, always ironing dresses and curling bangs. 

Marlene’s life was one of service, faith, joy, and love. Her legacy lives on in her family, in the lives she touched through her church and work, and in the countless memories we will continue to share.

Grandma, Mom, Great Grandma—thank you for your love, your faith, your example, and your heart. We will miss you more than words can say, but we find comfort knowing you are home, at peace, and dancing in heaven.