Marinda Marden, 1926–2026
Marinda “Rin” Marden, 99, passed away October 20, 2026.
Born December 29, 1926, to Helmer and Sophie Thompson, Marinda grew up in Staples, graduated as Staples High School salutatorian in 1944, and studied music and art at Concordia College.
An orchestral flutist, music and art teacher, and church choir director, Rin taught hundreds of piano students and performed with Harmony Trio until just a few years ago. Her creativity extended to building family homes, crafting, and writing family histories. She and her husband, Ken Marden, also from Staples, raised four children during their 57-year marriage. Her gifts live on in the people she taught and the family she loved.
She is survived by her sister, Elaine Mesna; children, Anne (Fabian) Krafthefer and John (Tricia) Marden; ten grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ken; sons, Steven and David; and grandson, Peter Krafthefer.
Services will be Friday, October 30, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Cloquet, with visitation at 9:30 a.m., service at 10:30 a.m., and luncheon afterward.
A graveside memorial in Staples, MN will follow that afternoon at 3:30pm at Evergreen Hill Cemetery 1303 4th Street NE. Fellowship and coffee will follow at Faith Lutheran Church - 430 12th Street NE.
The full obituary and service details are available at Nelson Funeral Care.
https://www.nelsonfuneralcare.net/obituaries/Marinda-R-Marden?obId=49962462
