Marilynn Norenberg Obituary
Marilynn Louise Norenberg passed away peacefully on May 16, 2023. She was born January 5, 1933 to Frank and Gert Gentzkow in LaMoure, ND. After graduating from high school, Marilynn completed a one-year teaching certificate at Valley City State Teacher’s College (VCSTC). The next year she taught all eight grades in a one-room schoolhouse in rural LaMoure County. Marilynn returned to VCSTC and graduated with a two-year teaching certificate. Her next assignment was the new school at Page, ND.
In June of 1955, she married her lifelong love, Ken Norenberg at LaMoure, ND. They moved to Alexandria, LA where he was stationed in the Air Force. Marilynn continued her education with correspondence courses. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Moorhead State Teacher’s College in 1959. Furthering her education, she completed her special education certificate at Mankato State College and then taught at Shirley Hills Elementary in Mound, MN.
Moving to Duluth in 1974, she joined the faculty at East High School. She was especially proud of introducing integrated curricula for disabled high school students in Duluth that year, which predated Congress’s passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975.
Marilynn retired from full-time teaching in 1995 and substitute taught for many years.
Marilynn had a heart for the Duluth community and was passionate about playing competitive bridge, coaching Special Olympics, teaching Sunday school, tagging monarch butterflies, finding 4-leafed clovers, collecting antiques (especially irons, buffalos, and chickens) and shopping for bargains. After her retirement, she delighted in teaching elementary-aged students the game of Bridge in afterschool programs.
Marilynn will be remembered for her contagious smile, her willingness to help a neighbor, and her community spirit. She will be missed by her husband, Ken, of nearly 68 years; children: Karrie, John and Susan; nine grandchildren: Daniel, Sam, Jennifer, Otto, Allison, Nathan, Jack, Courtney and Tyler and one great grandson, Oliver.
A Celebration of Marilynn’s Life will be held:
- Saturday, July 22, 2023, noon- 4pm
- Katherine Abbott Park
- 1000 Lincolntown Ave;
- Mahtomedi, MN 55115
- Bring a side dish/chips to share.
- Group photos at 2 pm
- Ice cream sundaes, too!
Marilynn in LaMoure, 1987
The family thanks the following care-giving staffs: St. Luke’s Hospital, Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center, Edgewood Hermantown and St. Andrew’s Village.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Marilynn can be sent to St. Andrews Village Memory Care Employee Enrichment; 240 East Ave; Mahtomedi MN 55115
This obituary was a collaborative writing project. I cannot take full credit. –KB
See last week’s Mother’s Day post
Beautiful Marilynn was full of love. She always made you feel welcome and loved. One of my favorite memories was when she took my brother and I to McDonalds for our birthday and had the whole restaurant singing happy birthday with her. Her love for you was real.
Agreed, Gary!
Her ability to get EVERYONE at McDonalds involved was legendary!
Marilynn was one of my mother’s nieces. My mother always admired why Marilynn became a teacher. Marilynn and Ken were a beautiful match as marital partners. Her death saddened me.
Chuck, my mom loved your mom and looked up to her as a role model: an educator, an independent woman, and a fierce competitor.
One Christmas, Ken and Marilyn came to our house as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. My kids were thrilled as was my husband and I. It made for a very memorable Christmas .
I also taught with Marilynn for many years, what can I say something was always going on,, not always good!??she will be missed?