Marilyn Ann Arness (nee Espe) 89, of Mentor, MN passed away on November 6th, 2025, with her two daughters by her side.
She was born on October 30, 1936, in Crookston, MN, to Eloise and Vernon Espe. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN.
She attended UND where she was active in the Alpha Phi Sorority. She graduated with a degree in education. While at college, she met Duane Arness. They were united in marriage on August 23, 1958. The couple made their home and raised their family in Windom, MN, where they shared their gift of music with friends, family and their community. Marilyn accompanied Duane’s singing throughout their marriage.
Marilyn was a faithful servant of her local churches her entire life. She taught Sunday School and Confirmation, sang in choirs, participated in various committees and women’s groups and played the piano in worship throughout her life. Her love of music and devotion to Christian education were her passion. Outside of church she enjoyed knitting, playing board games and puzzles, and snuggling her much loved puppies and kittens.
Maple Lake was her lifelong favorite place, and our family treasures the fond memories and time spent together at the lake. She enjoyed being outdoors, gardening and monitoring local lake traffic. She loved her daily outing to the Mentor Cafe. She never lost her sweet tooth or love of local Widman’s chocolates.
Marilyn is survived by her three children: LeAnn (Brad) Wages of Byron, MN, Richard (Amy) Arness of Fargo, ND, and Allison (Peter) Kurth of New London, WI, and an exchange student fourth child Roy (Ann-Merete) Bremnes, of Tromso, Norway and his beloved family; seven grandchildren: Ty (Julia) Pearson, Alex (Megan) Pearson, Jaclyn (Kyle) Emanuel, Derek (fiance Alexis) Arness, Natalie, Ryan (Kasey) and Brayden Kurth; sister Carolyn “Dyno” Selmanson, niece Heather Stromsodt, nephew Craig (Rekha) Arness and four great grandchildren. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Duane.
A celebration of life for Marilyn Arness will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:30 am at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN with Father Dave Super officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:30 am.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to her beloved caregiver, Carol, and the palliative care team at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. We would also like to thank Tom, Kim, Deb and Galen for their loving care of Mom in her widowed years and extending her time at Maple Lake.
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