Marlyn D. Wegge

Marlyn Wegge, a cherished member of the Moorhead community, passed away at the age of 93 on April 28, 2024, at Eventide on 8th in Moorhead, MN, leaving behind a legacy of service, laughter, and dedication to family and community. 

Marlyn Duane Wegge was born January 15, 1931, in Buxton, ND, to Selmer and Agnes (Holm) Wegge. After graduating high school, Marlyn joined the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving his country at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada from 1951-1955. His stories of Las Vegas in the early 1950s, where he also worked as a bellhop, painted a vivid picture of a bygone era.

In 1956, he enrolled at Interstate Business College in Fargo, earning his certificate in accounting. He accepted his first position with J.I. Case Company in April of 1957.  On August 23, 1957, Marlyn was united in marriage to Judith Marie Holst at The Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, IA.  They made their home in Moorhead, becoming active members of Trinity Lutheran Church.  

In 1968, Marlyn started working as a bookkeeper for S&S Construction, before venturing out to become self-employed, starting Wegge Paint Service in 1980. Marlyn was a hard worker and found that he enjoyed the physicality of painting and the freedom of working for himself. He continued painting long after his official retirement, finally putting the paint brush down in 2017 at the age of 86.

Marlyn's life was not just defined by his personal and professional achievements but also by his vibrant personality. Known for his love of jokes and pranks, he brought joy and laughter to those around him. His signature dance, the jitterbug, was a testament to his zest for life and his ability to light up a room. Later in life he enjoyed the simple things - spending time with his grandchildren, feeding squirrels, and watching the many birds and turkeys that frequented his yard. 

His dedication to family, church, and community was unwavering. Marlyn was a pillar of his 12th street neighborhood, taking pride in his home and the natural beauty of his surroundings. His commitment to service extended to his fellow veterans through his active involvement in the Gilbert C. Grafton American Legion Post 2 and the 40 & 8 organization. He served as Legion Commander in 1992 as well as 40 & 8 Voiture Locale 240 Chef de Gare. Marlyn organized and participated in many activities, including rummage sales, picnics, bingo, toy delivery, and, something he was most proud of, accompanying senior veterans on the Veterans Honor Flight to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Alongside his beloved wife, Judy, Marlyn enjoyed traveling to American Legion conventions and exploring various destinations around the country, enriching their lives with experiences and memories.  For over 50 years Marlyn and Judy enjoyed getting together with their “Card Club,” a group formed during their college years who met monthly to play Whist - an enduring testament to the extraordinary blessing of lifelong friendships.

Marlyn's life reminds us of the impact one individual can have through a life lived with kindness, humor, and dedication to others. He will be missed by his children, Jan (Brian) Wegge Schlick of Moorhead, Mark Wegge of St. Cloud, MN, and Stacy (Todd) Duffield of St. Pete Beach, FL; grandchildren, Sophie (Grant) and Angus Schlick; great-grandson, Caeson; siblings, Loren (Muriel) Wegge and Vern (Janet) Wegge, brother-in-law Leland Holst, and sister-in-law Karen Kautzmann. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judy; one sister, Shirley Hamre; one brother, Lyndell Wegge; brothers-in-law, Jerome Hamre, Carson Holst and Dwight Kautzmann; and sister-in-law Roberta Wegge.