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Sept. 4, 1940-Sept. 2, 2026
Minot
Marlene Roen, 85, Minot, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at a Garrison hospital.
Marlene LaVon (Varberg) Roen was born on September 4, 1940, in Minot, North Dakota, the daughter of Orvan and Helen (Novak) Varberg. She was raised on the family farm, where she attended country school before graduating from Minot High School in 1958.
In 1958, Marlene met the love of her life, Donald LeRoy Roen, at a chivaree dance at the Roen family farm. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifetime together, and on July 16, 1960, they were united in marriage at First Lutheran Church in Minot.
Marlene embraced the life of a farm wife in every sense of the word. She was never afraid of hard work and could often be found alongside Donald in the fields, driving the tractor or combine and doing whatever needed to be done. Yet, as hardworking as she was on the farm, Marlene's greatest pride was found within her home and family. She was an exceptional homemaker whose kitchen was always filled with the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals. She was known for preparing some of the largest dinners and suppers imaginable, making certain no one ever left her table hungry.
Marlene was a member of the Friendly Neighbors Homemakers Club and was also a talented cake decorator. She shared that talent with countless others while working for many years in the bakery at SunMart, where she designed and decorated beautiful cakes for the special occasions of others.
Marlene was a woman of remarkable strength and grace who faced life's difficulties with dignity. She found happiness in the simple things and possessed a genuine warmth that allowed her to make a friend wherever she went. She loved deeply, laughed easily, and had a way of making those around her feel welcomed and cared for.
Above all else, Marlene treasured her family. Being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother brought immeasurable joy to her life. She loved hearing about the special moments, milestones and accomplishments of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took tremendous pride in each of them. To her family, she was a constant source of love, encouragement and strength. Her life was measured not simply by the years she lived, but by the love she gave, the memories she created and the lives she touched.
Marlene also shared a very special, lifelong friendship with Judy Ness. Following the deaths of their husbands, their friendship became an even greater source of companionship and comfort. The two became affectionately known as "partners in crime," accompanying one another on adventures, supporting each other through difficult days and, of course, sharing plenty of shenanigans along the way. Marlene considered herself truly blessed to have a friend like Judy by her side throughout so many seasons of life.
Marlene is survived by her two children, Colleen (Luther) Pederson, Benson, MN, and Mark (Jenny) Roen, Douglas, ND; five grandchildren, Kyle (Caitlin) Pederson, Karysa (Cory) Luckow, Garret (Emily) Roen, Levi (Megan) Roen and Kalley (Dan) Fake; and nine great-grandchildren, Crosby Pederson, Koyer Pederson, Conley Pederson, Rhett Luckow, Rinley Luckow, Kohlson Iverson, Delaney Fake, Kaia Fake and Harper Roen.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Roen; her parents, Orvan and Helen Varberg; her brothers, Orvan Varberg Jr, Harley Varberg, and Lowell Varberg; and her sister, Betty Lawley.
Marlene leaves behind a family who adored her and who will forever be grateful for the love, strength and memories she gave them. Her family lovingly shares, "Rest peacefully to the best mom, grandmother and great-grandmother we could have ever asked for. We will carry your love with us always and will continue striving to make you proud through all of life's moments and accomplishments. You were deeply loved, and you will be deeply missed."
Memorial Service: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Saron Lutheran Church, Minot.
In accordance with Marlene's wishes, a reviewal will not be held, as cremation has taken place. Guests may sign the guest book one hour prior to the service at the church.
A private family committal will take place at Rosehill Memorial Cemetery.
Published by The Minot Daily News, September 4, 2026.