Obituary: Marlene Ekren

Marlene Ekren

Marlene Ekren, 86, died Monday, December 4, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Marlene's visitation was Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., all at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington.

A funeral service was held Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at United Methodist Church, Kensal, N.D., with Jeanne Sortland officiating. Music was by Daniel Florhaug and Ross Florhaug.

Honorary pallbearers were all of Marlene's grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marlene Kay Ferguson was born in Carrington, N.D., on May 22, 1937, to Harry and Grace (Indergaard) Ferguson. She attended Rose Hill Country School and graduated from Bordulac High School, Bordulac, N.D.

On June 23, 1955, she married H.M. "Buffa" Ekren at Trinity Lutheran Church in Carrington. Marlene and Buffa were blessed with six beautiful children. They raised their family and farmed many years west of Kensal. In 2017 they moved into Carrington.

Marlene's greatest love was for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved gardening, reading, doing craft shows and quilting.

Marlene was a 4-H leader for many years and an active member of the Kensal United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband Buffa Ekren; her three sons, Dennis (Becky) Ekren, Denver, Colo., Dean (Brenda) Ekren, Kensal, N.D., Kelly (Dana) Ekren, Kensal, N.D.; three daughters, Mamie Ekren of Fargo, N.D., Joni (Bryon) Smith of Fargo, N.D., and Cassie (Cory) Smith of Carrington, N.D.; eight grandsons; six granddaughters; 16 great-grandchildren and a brother, Lennie (Pat) Ferguson of Rugby, N.D.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, a brother, Jerry Ferguson, and a sister, Delores Wolf.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.