Marlow Gene Hjellming

Marlow Gene Hjellming, 78, of Byron, Minnesota, died Thursday May 2, 2013, at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, MN, after complications with surgery on Tuesday, April 30th. Marlow was born on April 6, 1935, in Ortley, South Dakota, in his grandparents home.He attended a small country school and then later graduated from high school in Watertown, SD. He joined the National Guard as a junior in high school and served eight years as a member. After high school, he went to work for Gamble-Robinson Company in Sioux Falls, SD. While living in Sioux Falls he met and later married Lois Jean McCorkell on June 5, 1960. While he worked his way up in management, he and Lois first lived in Eau Claire, WI, then transferred to Mankato, MN, and finally finished his career with Gamble-Robinson in Rochester, MN.Together Lois and Marlow had three children. While living in Rochester, they owned and operated the A Root Beer stand, Loiss Country Squire Beauty Salon, and they farmed on the side.After retiring from Gamble-Robinson, Marlow and Lois farmed full-time until completely retiring in 2005. Marlow enjoyed farming and raising cattle and was also active as a leader in 4-H. He was a member of the Limousin Cattle Association, Pine Island Saddle Club, and the American Legion in Byron.His faith was always important to him and he was a member of Christ Lutheran Church for over 40 years. As a member, he served on the church council and volunteered throughout the years.Marlow was known for his sense of humor, a good Ole & Lena joke, visiting with friends, his cup of coffee, his love for lefse, and teasing the grandchildren. He was a very hard-working man and devoted to his family.He loved living in the country, raising crops and cattle.At Christmas, he always made sure the family celebrated the birth of Christ by having a birthday cake for baby Jesus. His favorite motto was, How do you want to be remembered? He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lois, of Byron, MN; two daughters, Paula Dessner of Savage, MN, and Pam Godwin of Marshville, NC; and a son Brad (Carissa) Hjellming of Mantorville, MN. The joys of his life included three grandsons, Austin Dessner, Conner Hjellming, and Chad Hjellming; as well as two step-granddaughters, Vanessa Ulrich and Mercedes Ulrich. He is also survived by his brothers Orlie (Dolly) Hjellming of Sioux Falls, SD; Willis (Jane) Hjellming of Redmond, WA; a sister Hazel (Len) Stahl of Sioux Falls, SD; and a sister-in-law Dolores Hjellming of Sioux Falls, SD. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Olga Hjellming; brothers Deverne, Darrel, and Orville; and two sisters Sharon and Ardis (Harvey) Clute. A visitation will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Byron, MN, (201 Frontage Road NW) on Monday, May 6, 2013, from 5-8 p.m. and a Memorial Service on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Byron, MN. Memorials can be made out to Christ Lutheran Church (Byron, MN), Patchwork Faith Ministries (Mantorville, MN), or Byron First Responders. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN55901 (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com