Marilyn Cleland, 1928-2016

Marilyn Joyce Cleland (born Harper) died peacefully at Northridge Health and Rehab on January 13, 2016, in New Hope, Minnesota at the age of 87. Marilyn is survived by her children, Constance, Bruce (wife Sandy), Thomas, and Janet; grandchildren Emily, Elizabeth, Suzanne, Spencer, Kathryn, and Lydia; and brother James. She is preceded in death by husband Burton, son Scott, brother David, and son-in-law William Butler. Marilyn was born on October 1, 1928 in Waterloo, Iowa to Bernard Lloyd Harper and Evelyn Lolita Harper (born McDonald). She graduated from West High School, Waterloo, Iowa in 1947. She met Burton Cleland while working at a John Deere tractor factory, and they married April 22, 1950. After moving to Roseville, Minnesota, they had five children. Burton died suddenly on January 31, 1982, and a few years later, Marilyn moved to Golden Valley, Minnesota. She continued hosting family dinners nearly every week until checking into assisted living in October 2014. Marilyn stayed sharp by doing crossword puzzles, and in her final years played Words with Friends on her iPad. She also enjoyed posting her descendants’ childhood photos on Facebook. In her final days, she especially enjoyed jigsaw puzzles. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, June 10, 12:30 pm at Roselawn Cemetery Chapel, 803 West Larpenteur Avenue, Roseville, MN 55113, with a gathering to follow at the same location. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Marilyn’s life.