Marion F. Bressler

Marion Fern Bressler was born on August 28, 1926, in Drammen Township to Edward and Jennie (Hanson) Grubich. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Genevieve’s Catholic Church in Lake Benton. Marion grew up on the family farm and attended District 53 country school. She later graduated from Lake Benton High School, as valedictorian of her class, in 1944. Upon completion of Normal Teachers Training in Canby, MN, Marion taught nine years in one-room Lincoln County rural schools. After attending years of night school, including Mankato State University, Marion graduated from the charter class at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN, on June 13, 1971, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She also received a certification for the hearing impaired from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD, and went on to teach twenty-three years in special education at Lake Benton Public School, retiring in 1990. Marion also served as bookkeeper for Carroll, during their 41 years as owners of Bressler Garage in Lake Benton.

On June 30, 1949, Marion and Carroll “Kack” Bressler were united in marriage at the Catholic parsonage in Lake Benton. Their union was blessed with eight children: Judy, Janet, Lynn, Marlys, Marilyn, Dean, Patricia, and Dave and 49 years of marriage. Carroll passed away September 16, 1998. Marion resided in the home she and Carroll purchased for 69 years prior to moving into the Hendricks Nursing Home on December 17, 2019, where on September 27, 2023, she passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 97 years.

Marion was a member of St. Genevieve’s Catholic Church. Throughout her lifetime, she held offices in the Council of Catholic Women (CCW), taught religious education (CCD), served as lector, Eucharistic minister, and in homebound ministry. She was a devout member of the Schoenstatt Mother’s Group. Her community involvement included American Legion Auxiliary, Royal Neighbors, Senior Dining and Site Council, Meals on Wheels, Lake Benton Food Shelf, Bloodmobile, and the Lake Benton Opera House. As a couple, Marion and Carroll enjoyed membership in the Valley Drifters Snowmobile Club, many years of traveling, dancing,  golfing, playing cards and entertaining family and friends. Marion’s greatest joy in life was her family. Her other passions included gardening, walking, reading, crossword puzzles, playing piano, watching birds (especially cardinals), fall colors, beautiful scenery, her porcelain doll collection, and the color pink. Good nutrition, as well as keeping up with the world news, was of great importance to her. She frequently visited nursing homes until she became a resident herself. Her love, devotion, support, humility, selflessness, wisdom, generosity, and positive attitude as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother were an immense blessing and example to her family. Marion had a deep faith in God that has carried her through life’s struggles. She spent hours in daily prayer for her family, community, and country. Her rosary was always close at hand whether it was in her pocket or around her neck. Peace, love and joy, praise and thanksgiving was her favorite mantra. 

Marion is lovingly remembered by her children: Judy (Jim) McHattie of Minnetonka, MN, and their children Michaela (Andrew) Wright and Jennifer McHattie; Janet (Bryan) Kuhn of Lake Benton; Marilyn (Randy) Hoffmann of Minneota, MN, and their children Shane (Malory) and Josh (Emily) Hoffmann; Dave (Tacy) Bressler of Spearfish, SD, and their children Hannah Rae, Andrew, and Jonathan James “J.J.” Bressler; great-grandchildren: David, Angela, Charlie, Catherine, and Pippa; Kenzley and Rylie; and Ava and Brayden; precious sisters, Lilas Widmark, Hendricks and Ione Knapp of Alexandria, VA; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carroll; special children, Lynn and Marlys and infant children, Dean and Patricia; great-grandchild, Matthew Hoffmann; special cousin, Angeline Popma; several brother and sisters-in-law; and three nephews. Blessed be her memory.