Marlene Joyce Anderson

Marlene Anderson passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Heather’s House in Fargo, surrounded by her family.

Marlene was born February 2, 1934, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to John Buurman and Minnie Schmidt Buurman. She grew up in Grand Forks and married Maurice Bergh. Together, they raised their family in Moorhead, Minnesota.

In 1979, Marlene married Kenneth Anderson in Grand Forks. Marlene and Kenneth shared many wonderful years together, enjoying family, travel, and countless adventures until Kenneth’s passing in 2008. In her later years, Marlene made her home in Grand Forks.

Marlene was a woman of deep and abiding faith, and her love for God showed in the way she cared for and served others. University Lutheran Church in Grand Forks held a special place in her heart. She was an active member of her church family and served as head of the funeral committee, offering comfort and care to families during some of their most difficult moments. Helping others was simply part of who Marlene was, and she gave generously of herself throughout her life.

Marlene also found great pleasure in life’s simple things. She loved reading, playing cards with friends, and cheering on the UND men’s hockey team. She and Kenneth especially enjoyed taking their motorhome to Lake of the Woods, often bringing their grandchildren along and creating memories the family still holds dear. Among her favorite journeys were trips to Alaska and Hawaii, which she always spoke of fondly.

Above all, Marlene cherished her family. Time spent together brought her tremendous happiness, and even a phone call from someone she loved could brighten her day. She especially treasured time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family was a constant source of joy and pride, and the love she shared with them was one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Marlene will be remembered for her strong faith, her generous spirit, her willingness to serve others, her sense of adventure, and, most of all, the deep love she had for her family and friends. She touched many lives, and the memories, traditions, and love she leaves behind will continue through those who knew and loved her.

Marlene is survived by her sons, Michael (Linda) Bergh and Craig (Pam) Bergh; her stepson, Terry (Dayl) Anderson; her stepdaughters, Kathy (Terry) Yanish and Mary E. (Dean) Dahl; her grandchildren, Matthew (Christie) Benjamin, Joe (Beth) Benjamin, Alan (Suzie) Benjamin, Jonathon Anderson, Chris Bergh, Steven Bergh, Jennifer Von Holdt, Matthew Bergh, Amanda (Brian) Simonette, Jeremy Anderson, Aaron Kessler, Carissa (Steven) Swanson; 20 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Jackie Duray.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Buurman and Minnie Parent; her husband, Kenneth Anderson; her stepson, David Anderson (Dorothy); her granddaughter, Dena Hushka (Logan) and her sister, Donna Fontaine.

A memorial service celebrating Marlene’s life will be held at University Lutheran Church in Grand Forks on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to University Lutheran Church or HIA Heather’s House.