Obituary for Marjorie Birkeland

She was born on August 31,1932 in Winona, MN to Ben and Emma (Kinstler) Johnson. She attended Ridgeway School and Winona High School.

She married Lowell Birkeland in Winona, MN on June 14, 1951, at Central Lutheran Church, Winona, MN.

Marjorie was a certified cook at the Caledonia Public School for 30 years. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Caledonia, served on the church council, altar guild, WELCA, was a Sunday school teacher, choir member, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the American Food Service, District 299 Foundation, the Dolphins swim group, and the La Crosse area celiac group.

Margorie enjoyed working at Caledonia school, getting to know the students and attending their sports games. She loved cooking and baking and sharing food with friends, family and neighbors.

Early in life she loved traveling with her husband by car, pontoon, plane, motorcycle, and in their antique car.

She always looked forward to their Friday date nights.

Survivors include two sons, Steve (Kathryn) Birkeland, of La Crescent, and Gary Birkeland of Brooklyn Park, MN.; four granddaughters, Jessica Bauman-Matheis (Phillip) of Maple Grove, MN, Latisha Birkeland of Nashville, TN, Laura (Ethan) Simonson of Rushford, MN and Kristin (Jacob) Coldwater of Dakota, MN; and great grandchildren, Isaiah and Harper Bauman, and Sawyer, Kenna and Thatcher Simonson; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lowell (Berky); daughter, Sheri; three sisters, Marilyn (Don) Nygaard, Joan (Dave) Toske, Darlene (Bob) Duellman; and one brother, Laverne (Elaine) Johnson. Marge asked that her celebration of life be a happy one. She enjoyed her life with family and friends and God Bless everyone.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Caledonia MN. Rev. Steven E. Meyer will officiate. A private family burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Caledonia, MN. A visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service, Tuesday, at the church.

Fredrickson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Immanuel Lutheran altar guild, Independent School District 299 and Street Scapes of Caledonia.