Marlene Tufvander, 1934-2014

Published 10:15 am Thursday, July 3, 2014

Marlene Mae Tufvander, 79, of Chatfield and Lake Vermilion died peacefully Sunday, June 22, 2014, at her cabin.

Marlene was born Sept. 27, 1934, to Harry and Clara Miller. She grew up in Ledyard, Iowa, and graduated from Janesville High School in 1951. At 18, Marlene earned her teaching certificate. Marlene earned her bachelor of science degree in teaching in 1968 and her master of science degree in 1984.

Marlene married George A. Tufvander on June 9, 1962.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Clara Miller; her husband, George; four brothers, Vincent, Edward, Donald and Barry; granddaughter, Dayna Hutchinson; in-laws Russell (Phyllis) Tufvander, Ellis (Irene) Tufvander and Irma Tufvander; and a niece, Katheryn (Tufvander) Barrera.

Marlene is survived by daughters Susan (John) Hutchinson of Floodwood and Lynne (Mike) Narveson of Chatfield; grandchildren Clara Hutchinson (Jim Oliver) of Minneapolis, Bryan (Tracy) Hutchinson of Floodwood, Matthew Narveson and Mitchell Narveson, both of Chatfield; four great-grandchildren, Alexis, Dalton and Bode Hutchinson and Cormac Oliver; brother, Gordon (Beth) Miller, of Albert Lea; sister, Sheila Miller, of Phoenix; sisters-in-law Deloris Miller of Conroe, Texas, and Lois of Montana; many nieces and nephews, and all the extra adoptive grandchildren: “you know who you are.”

Marlene taught for 46 years before retiring in 1999. She was very passionate about teaching and loved every child she encountered.

Marlene’s favorite place to be was her cabin on Lake Vermilion. She spent every summer there for the last 52 years. It is there she found peace and restoration.

By far her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. If asked, each one would tell you they were her favorite.

Marlene was a founding member of Christ Lutheran Church in Byron, and was currently a member of Chatfield Lutheran Church. Her faith was the foundation by which she lived.