L. Marie Harris Folkestad

The funeral service for L. Marie Harris Folkestad of Wadena was held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 27, at the Wadena Alliance Church, with Pastors Vaughn White, Christopher Folkestad and Brian Malvig presiding. L. Marie Harris Folkestad, 96, of Wadena, Minnesota, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 13, 2021, while at home with family by her side. Marie was born on June 4, 1925 to Charles E. Harris and Florence (Carter) Harris in Hewitt, Minnesota, the second of six children. She was actively involved in school and was a high school cheerleader. As there were no school sports for girls at that time, she played on a GRA girls basketball team. She graduated from Hewitt High School in 1943. After high school, she lived and worked in California for a short time. She returned to Minnesota to work in Minneapolis and then Wadena. On June 7, 1946, she married Roger Folkestad of Wadena. She then devoted her life to her family and was a wonderful mother to their six children. Marie was a member and very involved in the Alliance Church in Wadena, giving of her time and gifts in any way she could. She taught Sunday School, Bible School, worked on the Fellowship Committee, and took an active role in the WMPF (Alliance Women). She graciously welcomed visiting missionaries into the home, demonstrating to her family her gift of hospitality. She enjoyed gardening, ceramics, sewing, needlework, and especially cooking and baking. There were always treats to share, whether it be brownies, molasses or chocolate chip cookies, or caramel rolls. She made certain each holiday included her delicious homemade lefse. Most recently, she was often found encouraging others to share her treats of “special vitamins” (Werther’s or Lifesaver candies). She enjoyed spending time with friends and family playing Rook and was a faithful fan of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. As Marie and Roger’s family grew to include grandchildren and great grandchildren, so did her love, making each new addition feel important and special. Marie was always kind, loving, and caring to all, including those who cared for her in her home over the past three years. Numerous times a day, you would hear her telling them, “Very good. Very good”. Marie and Roger were blessed to celebrate their marriage of 75 years this past June. She will be greatly missed, but will live on in the lives and memories of her family forever. We look forward to reuniting with her again one day. Marie is survived by her husband, Roger; children, Connie (Dave) Steiner of Menahga, Chuck (Becky) Folkestad of Park Rapids, Curt (Deb) Folkestad of Wadena, Craig (Eve) Folkestad of Wadena, Cheri (Rick) Klemond of Duluth, and Christi (Dave) Nelson of Wadena; 25 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren with 3 on the way; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Harris of San Antonio, TX, Gerry Harris of Duluth, and Sharlene Harris of Big Sandy, MT; and many nieces and nephews. Marie was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marjorie (Herb) Nelson; brothers, Mervin, Lauren (Ardy), Ivan, and Glenn; and granddaughter, Lori Klemond. Burial was in Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, MN. Marie’s family extends heartfelt appreciation to those who cared for her in her home over the past 3 years and to the compassionate care recently given by Knute Nelson Hospice. The family suggests memorials be directed to the Historical Society, or Missions.

L. Marie Harris Folkestad

June 4, 1925 - September 13, 2021