Marlene Mann

Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church in Luverne, Generations in Luverne, or Sanford Luverne Hospice.

Marlene Viola Mann was born to Henry and Viola (Lorenzen) Kindt in Luverne, Minnesota. She was raised on her parents’ farm place near Hardwick, Minnesota and began her schooling riding the bus into town. At a young age, her family moved into Hardwick, where she was raised through her childhood. Following her eighth grade year, Marlene continued her education and attended Luverne High School in Luverne, graduating with the class of 1964. She then went to work for a short time at Terrace Dairy and then Tri-State Insurance in Luverne. On December 10, 1965 Marlene was united in marriage to Gary Mann at the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. The couple made their home in Luverne. In addition to being a wife and mother, Marlene began working at the Luverne High School in the library. She later transitioned to the superintendent’s office, where she first worked for Harvey Eitreim. She continued in this capacity with the school until her retirement on July 31, 2021 after 54 years of service. On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Marlene died peacefully at her home.

Marlene was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne, where she had served on Session two different terms and was a Sunday school teacher while her daughter was young. She was an active 4-H leader while her daughter was a member of the Blue Mound Climbers 4-H Club. Through this, Marlene also found herself learning a great deal as she taught and helped the young adults grow. She was honored to receive 4-H Leader of the Year award. She enjoyed helping Gary with the planning of their flower and gardening beds. Most of all, Marlene simply enjoyed spending time with her family and was blessed to share a few special trips with them.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Gary of Luverne; daughter, Michele (Richard) Cofell of Brookings, South Dakota, and their children, Jaden and Justin Cofell; sister-in-law, Beverly Kindt of Jasper, Minnesota; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her stillborn infant daughter, Melissa; parents, Henry and Viola Kindt; and two siblings, Elaine (Merle) Hamann and Marvin Kindt.