Marjorie B. Larimer

Marjorie B. Marge Larimer, 86, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2016, at Cottagewood Memory Care Center in Rochester, Minnesota. Marge was born at home on August 6, 1929, on the Mankell family homestead near New London, Minnesota, to Herman and Cornelia (Christopherson) Mankell.She was confirmed in the Christian faith on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1941, at the Lake Florida Swedish Mission Church.Marge attended rural school and finished high school in New London, later graduating from St. Cloud State University.She taught elementary school in Clara City, Montevideo, Roseville, St. Louis Park, and Alexandria.Over one summer break, she pursued her Great Adventure: a two month solo trip around Europe, with just an overnight case.Marge married Bill Larimer on August 2, 1958, and after raising her family she was a substitute teacher for many years.Marge always made guests welcome at her home. She was a member of Rochester Covenant Church and several Covenant ministries, and enjoyed time with family, painting, traveling and camping, and hiking outdoors. Marge resided in Rochester for 46 years, and spent her final years at Cottagewood before finally succumbing to complications from Alzheimers Disease. Marge was preceded in death by her parents Herman and Cornelia, brothers Dale and Orlynn, sisters Mary Ann and Marlys, and grandson Nehemiah. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Bill; sons Grayson (Joy), Kayne (Emily), and William; brothers Sherman (Bette) and Rev. Douglas (DeAnn); and three grandchildren: Kendra, Sarah (Mason) and Caleb. We will miss her company, kind heart, and gentle spirit. Visitation will be Thursday, April 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home in Rochester.Funeral services will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Rochester Covenant Church, with luncheon following.Interment will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday April 11, 2016 at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the camp scholarship fund at Rochester Covenant Church.Her family also wishes to thank the caring staff at Cottagewood and Heartland Hospice.