Marjorie L. Dike

Born in Lovell Township and raised on the family farm in Guelph, North Dakota, Marjorie was the fourth of ten children. Growing up in a Finnish-speaking family, Marjorie was bilingual, fluent in both Finnish and English, with the former often utilized later in life. Baptized and confirmed into the Apostolic Lutheran Church, Marjorie maintained her quiet, yet fierce, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

In her youth, Marjorie was heavily involved in her church, 4-H, and school, where she was an All County guard on the girls’ basketball team, a cheerleader, and the valedictorian of her class. Upon graduation from Guelph High in 1943, Marjorie’s education continued at The State Normal and Industrial School in Ellendale, ND and Dakota Business College in Fargo, ND. She then traveled to Washington, D.C. to become a civilian personnel director in the Navy Department during WWII.

It was back home on the farm where Marjorie met George Kimball Dike, the visiting Dickey County Agricultural Extension agent. The couple wed on March 5, 1950 and were married 59 years before his death in 2009. As a wife and mother, Marjorie was known for her great love, keen wit and good sense of humor, Christian guidance, quiet nature, unwavering moral compass, nearly endless patience, and innovative discipline.

Marjorie is survived by her six children and their spouses, Rachel (Michael) Macek, Bruce (Bonnie), Mary, Ruth (Kenneth) Connelly, Donald (Karen), and Edward (Rebecca); 20 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Franklin and 44 nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband George, Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Florence, Norma, Ellen, Evelyn, Gladys, and Beatrice “Betsy,” and brothers William and R.A.Willard.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 10, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Lansing, MI. Funeral services will held on Friday, October 11, 11:00 A.M. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Haslett, MI, with The Rev. David A. Davis and The Rev. A. Trevor Sutton officiating. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be a private ceremony at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Donations in Marjorie’s name may be made to the “Pioneer Church Restoration Fund” c/o John Matrtinson, 10133 96th Ave. SE, Oakes, ND 58474-9163.

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