Marlene Ann Magnuson

Marlene was born on February 28, 1932, at her family home in Mount Prospect, Illinois, the youngest of three children born to Mildred (née Johnson) and Arnold Dahlstrom.

She grew up in Mount Prospect and graduated from North Park Academy in 1950. She continued her education at North Park College, earning an Associate of Arts degree in 1952. While at North Park, she met the love of her life, Ronald Magnuson. The two were married on December 10, 1954, and shared 63 years of marriage before Ronald's passing.

Before raising her family, Marlene worked as a secretary for New England Mutual Life Insurance, Electronic & Associates, and the Development Office at North Park College. She and Ron were blessed with two children, Mark and Lisa, and made their home in Skokie, Illinois. In 1970, the family moved to Harbert, Michigan, when Ron was called to serve as pastor of Harbert Community Church. This began 26 years of ministry that they faithfully shared together.

Marlene devoted herself to serving others through her church, her family, and her home. She sang in church choirs for more than 40 years, played the piano, and extended warm hospitality to countless friends, church members, and visitors. She skillfully managed the household's many responsibilities and was a trusted partner in Ron's ministry, even typing his doctoral dissertation.

Marlene was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be remembered for her kind spirit, unwavering faith, dependable work ethic, honesty, and love of music. Family and friends will also fondly remember her delicious cookies and pies, which were shared generously with those she loved. Above all, Marlene loved the Lord and sought to serve Him throughout her life.

Marlene is survived by her children, Mark (Eileen) Magnuson and Lisa Magnuson; her grandchildren, Kyle (Moriah) Magnuson, Sara (Drew) Engelking, and Claire Magnuson (fiancé, Evan Johnson); her great-granddaughter, Phoebe Engelking; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Dahlstrom; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Magnuson; her parents, Arnold and Mildred Dahlstrom; and her brothers, Russell (Carolyn) Dahlstrom and Warren "Cully" Dahlstrom.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harbert Community Church, 6444 Harbert Road, Sawyer, MI 49125, or Covenant Harbor Bible Camp, 1724 W. Main Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.

A memorial service will be held on January 16, 2027, at 3:00 p.m., at Winnetka Covenant Church, 1200 Hibbard Road, Wilmette, IL 60091.

Her life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, hospitality, and devotion to family, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.