Marion Johanna (Korvela) Patenaude passed away peacefully at her home in Baxter, MN on March 31, 2025, at the age of 99. In her final weeks, she was lovingly cared for and surrounded by her daughters.
Marion was born in 1925 in Perth, ND, to Alida and Anders Alfred Korvela. In 1931, during the Great Depression, her family moved to Plummer, MN, where she attended school and was raised in the Lutheran faith. After meeting her future husband, John Eli Patenaude, at a dance in Red Lake Falls, Marion eventually became Catholic and was married at the age of 17 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Gentilly, MN. They raised their family for nearly 40 years on the third generation Patenaude farm. In 1981, their son Robert moved onto the family farm and John and Marion moved just a mile down the road. There she spent many years gardening, bird watching and hosting family gatherings. In 2004, several years after John’s passing (in 1997), Marion moved to Brainerd to be near her daughters and enjoyed most of her years there living independently.
The couple was blessed with ten children but lost three of them tragically: two as toddlers and another at the age of 26. After moving to Brainerd, she sadly lost three more children to cancer. Despite the pain and loss Marion endured as a mother, her resilience and childlike faith in God allowed her to press on to live a full and happy life.
Marion was a caring and hard-working wife and mother. She spent much of her time gardening, baking, sewing, teaching and supporting her children’s education, and completing the daily crossword puzzle. She enjoyed music and singing in the church choir. She also taught Catechism and was an active member of the Catholic Daughters of America, leading many fundraising activities. Marion appreciated art and had many unique pieces throughout her home. Marion’s first language was Finnish and it was only upon entering school that she began to learn English. She enjoyed traveling and cherished her time spent with her family in Finland, her father’s homeland.
Marion is survived by four daughters: Doreen (Rick) Mahoney, Jensen Beach, FL; Jan Patenaude (Robert Jamison) Marble, CO and Pahoa, HI; Suzanne (Ron) Gramer, Brainerd, MN; Jodi (Tim) Williams, Baxter, MN. She was preceded in death by: siblings Ruth, Alyce, George and five half-siblings; husband John; and six children: Robert, Katherine, Timothy (Lisa), Deborah Barnett (Floyd Aubol), John (aka Jackie), and Dennis.
Marion was very proud of each of her grandchildren: Dana (Nedra) Patenaude, Jessica (Brian) Christensen, Eric (Becca) Patenaude, Ryan (Stephanie) Patenaude, Roberta (Darren) Ross, Alison Mahoney, Ronia Gramer, Della (Jordan) Goos, Gretchen Gramer, Reah (Bryan) Tykwinski, and Danessa Williams. She had a special spot in her heart for her step-grandchildren as well: Matt, Liz, Amy, Brien, Anna, and Jessica.
Marion was blessed with 27 great-grandchildren. She also treasured Deanna Patenaude and time spent with Doris and Carol (Alyce’s daughters) and many other nieces and nephews.
Marion’s perseverance through hardship has been inspirational to many and she will always be remembered for her kind heart, calm demeanor, intellect, fairness, and quick wit.
Funeral services have been scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2025, at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Gentilly. Visitation at 10 AM, Mass at 11 AM, followed by burial. Lunch will be served in the church basement after the services, with time for sharing.
Arrangements handled by Stenshoel-Houske Funeral and Cremation Services. www.stenshoelhouske.com
