Marcia R. Eland

life story

A loving, passionate, and witty woman

Marcia Eland was born in Decorah, Iowa on May 24th, 1953, to Calvin and Eloise Eland. She was 69 years old when she passed away surrounded by loved ones on August 2nd, 2022.

Marcia had an incredible gift for making all she encountered feel loved, special, and supported. She was a storyteller at heart and loved to entertain those around her by making children’s books come to life, recounting epic tales of her adventures, or amusing everyone with her wit.

During her life, Marcia had many unique accomplishments. She led the way in changing the dress code to allow women to wear pants to school at her high school. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in German Literature. She had a career in software consulting and no problem was too complex for her to solve. She ran for public office three times. She was the President for the League of Women’s Voters Carver County Chapter. She mastered the art of belly dance and became a yoga instructor to support women in need. She was strong-willed, well-educated, and fought for her beliefs fiercely.

When she wasn’t spending time with her family and friends, she loved going to the theater, singing along to her favorite songs at the Chanhassen Dinner Theater’s concerts, embarking on new travels in the southwest, and spending time along the Superior Shores.

She is survived by her mother, Eloise Eland, her husband, Bill Wilken; three siblings, David, Alisa (Kevin), and John (Jeannine); five children, Alisa (Matt), Ashley (Zach), Kris (Clint), Melanie (Dan), and Brad (Katie); five grandchildren, Sydney, Grace, Henry, Victor, and Jonathon; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in October. Please reach out to Marcia’s family for more details. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to her daughter, Alisa Eland-Smithburg, for a tribute to Marcia at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, one of her most beloved places in the world.