Marlene Ensrud

   Marlene Ensrud, 75, of Mapleton, ND, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in her home.

   Marlene Beverly Martinson was born May 15th, 1950, during a very late spring snowstorm in Sharon, North Dakota. She was the only child of Bjorne and Mildred (Haugen) Martinson. She grew up on the family farm attending school in Kloten until her family moved to McVille when she was in the 4th grade. Marlene graduated from McVille High School in 1968. She went on to attend Valley City State College graduating with her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in the late summer of 1971.

   Marlene was united in marriage to Thomas Jay Ensrud on Sunday August 16th, 1970. They were married just shy of 55 years.

   Marlene went on to teach for 32 years. She taught in the Tolna, McVille and Dakota Prairie School Districts over the span of her career. She taught a variety of different grade levels over the years, but most people probably remember and had "Mrs. Ensrud" as their second-grade teacher (including her own two daughters!). Marlene retired from teaching in the spring of 2003.

   Tom and Marlene lived the majority of their lives in McVille, ND which is where they raised their two daughters Marti (born in January of 1975) and Jodi (born in June of 1978). Tom owned and operated the Our Own Hardware Store (later the Do-It-Best Hardware) and Marlene taught. She was actively involved in school, church and community activities as well as all of her daughter's sports, school and activity endeavors. 

   In the late summer of 2007 Tom and Marlene moved to Fargo, ND. They enjoyed their time wintering in the Mesa, AZ area and went on to buy a home in the Sun City Grand development of Surprise, AZ.  They enjoyed getting out of the cold, golfing (more Tom than Mar for this) and time with friends. While in AZ Marlene particularly enjoyed being part of her book club and being out on her beautiful patio in the sun. Tom and Marlene spent time traveling with friends and family over the years with trips to Mexico, Hawaii and a Caribbean cruise with family. Tom and Marlene were lovers of time spent at the lake. They owned their own cabin on Red Willow Lake for several years while their girls were growing up and still enjoyed going to their daughter Jodi's cabin on the same lake. They had a camper and pontoon for several years at Upper South Long Lake near Brainerd, MN where their oldest daughter Marti's in-laws have a cabin.

   Marlene was a lover of life. She enjoyed reading, trivia, shopping, movies, a good glass of wine and was a lover of all music (especially 60's, Bruce Springsteen and Keith Urban). She was loving, understanding, nonjudgemental, a good listener and a great friend to all who knew her.  She was always and forever proud of ALL "her" students!

   She leaves behind her loving husband of 54 years Tom, daughters Marti (Michael) Hurley, Jodi (Cris) Somerville as well as her most treasured gifts her grandchildren: Alicia (Michael) Fogarty, Morgan (Brittany) Somerville, Faith Hurley, Jake Hurley, and Ellie Somerville. She also leaves behind aunts, cousins and good friends; too many to count. Marlene was proceeded in death by her parents Bjorne and Mildred Martinson, in-laws Henry and Edna Ensrud, and brother- in- law Hal Ensrud.

   Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society or Nelson County (ND) Health System.

   As a family we truly feel we were blessed with THE best wife, mother, and grandmother there ever was. We will continue to love you and miss you forever.

   Memorial Service: Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., in West Funeral Home, West Fargo, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

   Interment: Fargo National Cemetery, rural Harwood, North Dakota.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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