Marian Joan Grage

Marian Grage, 89, of Fergus Falls, passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, at Lake Region Health Care in Fergus Falls, MN.

Marian was born on May 11, 1934, to her parents Arnold and Myrtle Jorgens in Fergus Falls, MN. She was baptized and later confirmed at Sarpsborg Lutheran Church. In 1952, she graduated from Fergus Falls High School. On May 18, 1953, she was united in marriage to Gordon Grage at Fort Devins, MA. As a military spouse, Marian ventured to the Philippines, supporting her husband's service in the Army. In 1955 they moved back to Fergus Falls where Marian ran a daycare from home and later worked at Broen and Pioneer Nursing Homes. In 1976, Marian and Gordon relocated to Plymouth, Minnesota, where Marian dedicated her time to working in the kitchen at the Bible School affiliated with the AFLC Seminary, where Gordon pursued his calling as an ordained minister. She and Gordy then began serving the Lord at Brandon, Dexter, and Kasson, Swan Lake Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, Winger, MN, and Tonseth Lutheran Church in rural Erhard. Following a donation of land near Lake Park, Marian and Gordy, with many other volunteers, developed the AFLC Wilderness Bible Camp. Upon Retirement, Marian and Gordy moved to Dalton, MN.

Marian was loved as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was also loved by all who knew her for her selfless kindness and compassion. She was also a wonderful hostess. She enjoyed cooking, going to tractor shows, and being with family and friends. Marian and Gordy enjoyed camping in federal and state parks.  

Marian is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Myrtle Jorgens; her husband, Gordon; and their son, Mark.

She is survived by her daughter Deb (Bruce) Johnson, son Bruce (Corrina) Grage, daughter Diane (Randall) Field; grandchildren Jessica (Tony) Olson, Jennifer (Alex) Taves, Alexis (Casey) Perkins, Jasmine (Chris) Synstelien, Jade (Maki Kubota) Sandstedt, Amanda Aaberg; great-grandchildren Brody, Madisyn, and Jayce Olson, Emma, Hailey, Allie, and Katie Synstelien, and Marilyn Kubota-Sandstedt; brother James (Nettie) Jorgens: several nieces; a nephew; sister-in-law Adeline Grage; and many friends.

Visitation: Friday, January 12, 2024, from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 6:30 at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.

Funeral Service: Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11 AM at Zion-Sarpsborg Lutheran Church, Dalton, MN

Interment: Sarpsborg Cemetery