Marilyn Bernice Overland (Brekke)

About Marilyn

Marilyn Bernice Overland (Brekke), age 93. Born October 8, 1928 in LaCrosse, WI., entered into rest October 9, 2021 in Plymouth, MN.

The daughter of Lars and Mabel Brekke, Marilyn started life on a farm near Lanesboro, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Union Prairie and graduated at 17 from Lanesboro High School. She attended the teacher’s college in Winona and began her career in a one room school house teaching 1st-8th grade. She continued teaching at several schools in Fillmore County.

She met Gordon Overland while shopping for a TV at Sears and they married June 12, 1955 at Union Prairie. They settled in Spring Valley, MN where she taught kindergarten for 15 years. They relocated to Plymouth, MN in 1970 where she taught with the Robbinsdale schools until retirement in 1991. During her career she continued courses to achieve her master’s degree in education. Marilyn was a gifted educator and touched the lives of thousands of children with warmth, compassion and inspiration. She attended numerous graduation parties and even a couple of weddings of former kindergartners.

Marilyn was a life long member of the church choir singing soprano for Our Saviors Lutheran in Spring Valley and St. James Lutheran in Crystal. She was also a member of the Red Hat Ladies choir and performed at many venues in the Twin Cities. She loved the friendships made and fellowship shared when singing with others.

She was an avid baker of Norwegian treats that family members craved during the holidays - especially her lefse! She was a very active traveler enjoying trips to Scandinavia, Europe, Canada and numerous cruises from Alaska to the Panama Canal.

But her greatest joy came from spending time with family and smothering her grandsons Aaron and Alec with love and generosity. She loved the visits at her home and welcomed everyone with a freshly baked sweet and a cup of coffee. She even kept a closet of toys in the basement in case there were some younger visitors that might need a little distraction.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, husband Gordon, brothers Robert, Darrell and Donald (Wally). She is survived by sons Todd and Tryg (Sue), grandsons Aaron and Alec (Kayli Skinner, fiancée), many nieces, nephews and close extended family.

memorial service

Memorial Service and Committal

October 16, 2021

Union Prairie Lutheran Church 31872 MN-16, Lanesboro, MN 55949, USA

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services