Merle Marden

Merle A. Marden, age 76 of Staples, passed away on August 9th, at Lakewood Health Systems Hospital in Staples. A funeral service is planned for Wednesday, August 12th, at 1:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples with Pastor Steve Sveom officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5  7 pm at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples and one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be in the Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples. Merle was born in New York Mills and spent most of her life in Staples. She married Robert in Staples on October 6th, 1951. Merle was very much a mom and the gluethat held the family together. She taught Sunday school and was active in her church circle. Sewing for her family and others, as well as making dolls, provided enjoyment for her. Merle was very well known for her excellent pies. Merle is survived by her husband, Robert; Children, Karen Rengel, Jeff (Lynn) Marden, Nancy Marden (Jamie Listebarger), Peggy (Duane) Reese, Linda (Claude) Bertrand, and Patrick Marden; Grandchildren, Alicia, Philip, Blair, Brooke, Traci, Travis, Taylor, Sarah, Rachel, Grant, Hannah, Joshua, Christina, and Aaron; Great Grandchildren, Alexis, Aiden, Rowan, and Kaedynce; Sisters, Dorothy (Wally) Krantz and Millie (Ben) Polk, and Carol Marden; Brothers, Howard (Lucille) Selander, Morris Selander, Alden (Noreen) Selander and Wayne (Donna) Selander; many nieces and nephews; and special friend Ina Kaler. Merle was preceded in death by her parents George and Anna (Maasch) Selander; bother-in-law, Philip Marden; and sister-in-law, Darlene Selander.