Marlen Sasse

Marlen M. Sasse, age 85, of Pine River, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2017, at his home. He was born in Elysian Township, Le Sueur County, MN, to Ewald and Ida (Quiram) Sasse. He married Nadine Sweiven on March 18, 1950. Marlen grew up on a farm in Cleveland, MN. He worked for his brother, Chuck, as a mechanic in Minneapolis for a number of years. In 1965 they bought a farm in Backus, MN. Along with farming he worked for Houston Ford in Pine River. He was offered a better job at Durkee Manufacturing where he stayed for 28 years. When Durkees closed he went to Oakland, CA, and worked in a glass plant.

Marlen retired in 1995 and came back to the farm in Backus. Bored with retirement, he went to work for his son at Paul's Large Garage for about 10 years.

Marlen loved hunting and fishing. He taught all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to love it, too. He was a Christian and served as an elder in his church for many years. At the end of the day he enjoyed a big whiskey coke.

Marlen is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nadine; children: Roseanna O'Rourke (Patrick), Michael Sasse (Kathryn), Sally Wooden (Patrick), Paul Sasse (Anne), John Sasse (Laurie Jo); sister, Annie Nusser; brother, Chuck Sasse; 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leo Sasse; sisters, Evelyn Hollmichel and Mildred Larson; and grandson, Adam Sasse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Backus.

Services will be 10 AM on Monday, April 17, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Backus. Visitation will be Sunday from 5 to 7 PM at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Backus.