Marlene Helen Jorgenson 86, Rugby, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Trinity Nursing Home where she had been a resident since breaking her hip in February.

Marlene was born April 22, 1934, the daughter of Emil and Helmi Haapoja. She grew up on the family farm. Marlene met her husband Robert "Bob" Jorgenson and after a very short courtship, about 6 weeks, they were married at her parents' home.

Marlene and Bob farmed south of Pleasant Lake where they raised their four children. In 1971 they moved to the family farm where Kory, their youngest son, now lives and ranches with his family.

Marlene stayed on the farm for one year after her husband passed away before their 37 ^th anniversary. She then moved into an apartment in Rugby. She worked at the Hub for many years, which was a perfect job because she enjoyed visiting and meeting new people. She later worked at In Stitches for nine years where the owner said she was perfect because she could visit with everyone and was so creative and willing to help.

Marlene enjoyed being on a bowling league and was so happy to go to nationals in Reno, NV. She was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary, volunteer for the Hospital Auxiliary, and Pioneer Village Museum, and a member of First Lutheran Church, all Rugby.

Marlene and Bob loved to travel, which she continued to do for many years. She went to New York and along the East Coast. A highlight of her travels was a trip to Israel with a dear friend. There were also many trips to Laughlin.

Marlene was a strong independent woman. She loved playing Bingo and sharing a meal with family and friends. When her kids and grandchildren came over, she'd say "Let's go out to eat." She loved her group of lady friends that met for breakfast almost every day.

Marlene had a weekly hair appointment for the last 50 years. She was always dressed to the nines including jewelry of some kind and finishing with pretty lipstick. She was always ready for a good time. She will be missed by many.

Marlene is survived by her three children:  Susie (Darrell) Schneibel, Penny Jorgenson and Kory (Linda) Jorgenson; six granddaughters:  Sara (TJ) Cleland, Megan Yourk, Jacey (Bill) Kramer, Courtney (Keith) Bowman, Nicole (Willie) Paul and Kassi Jorgenson (Klay Oland); eight great grandchildren:  Shacey, Willow, Ellie and Sadie Kramer, Thomas and Claire Cleland, Aria Bowman and Beckett Paul; sister Carol McDonald; sisters-in-law: Estelle Haapoja and Vonda Haapoja along with many nieces and nephews.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Keith and brothers Kenny and Bill Haapoja.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2020 at First Lutheran Church, Rugby.