Photo courtesy of Nelson Funeral Homes - Fessenden
Apr 14, 1928 - Jul 18, 2025
What a Legacy Mrs. Kramer has left! Mrs. Kramer was my Favorite Teacher too. It is amazing to see how many students feel the very same. I was fortunate enough to tell her that a few years ago. This world needs more 'Mrs. Kramers'.
Pam, I am sure it warms your heart to know what an impact your Mom made. My sympathies on your loss.
Cindy Melby
July 22, 2025 | Fessenden, ND | Student
There are some people that come into your life that you never forget! Mrs. Kramer was one of those people. She was my 4th grade teacher and without doubt, one of my favorite teachers!! I ran into her a number of years ago at the Wells County Museum, and she recognized me immediately!! I was blown away!! Pam, my thoughts & prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Sincerely,
Bob Stalinger
Robert Stalinger
July 22, 2025 | Clarendon Hills, IL | Teacher
So sorry for your loss, I loved her as my 4th grade teacher, she had a heart of gold, always bought us treats at time, God Bless her always.
Carla Wahl Kroll
July 21, 2025 | Napoleon, ND | Student
My sympathies to you and your family. The education field surely had a gem and treasure when Mrs. Kramer signed on to teach. Of all the years, 4th grade is the year I remember best, even to this day. So many times I tell my Adult EL students I became a teacher because of your mom. She inspired and loved all her kids, even the tough ones. Ever since being a student of hers in 4th grade, that's all I wanted to become...a teacher and I'm still teaching 30+ years later because I had an inspiring...
Dawn Wold (Kro)
July 21, 2025 | West Fargo, ND | Student
Marian Kramer was a very special person I met as a volunteer at Bethany retirement living center. She loved BINGO And her coffee half water and half coffee.We shared so many family stories together. She loved her entire family would tell me about pictures in her room and I shared mine.She was a warm kind gentle person that I will never forget in my life. Pam and family thanks for sharing her with me Love forever
Greg Akason
Greg Akason
July 21, 2025 | West Fargo, ND | Acquaintance
Marian was such a lovely and gracious lady. We so enjoyed getting to know Marian when she lived next to us in the condo. She would bring over treats occasionally and we would have a nice visit. She loved to tell us about her teaching days. Rod had a lot of fun visiting with her about people they both knew in the Hamburg area.
We had so much fun when she taught us how to play Mexican Train. She was really an expert - and provided a lovely lunch!
Marian will be...
Rodney & Shirley Lindstrom
July 21, 2025 | Fargo, ND | Friend
My deepest sympathy to you Pam and your family. Your mother Marion lived a long and wonderful life, committed to her faith, family and teaching. No matter how old a parent is at death, there is a deep loss at their passing. My prayer is for strength for all of you at this time.
As a child, I remember coming over to play with you at your family home in Heimdal while visiting my grandparents Ernest and Amanda Norell. Your mom was always there, interested in what was happening with...
Diane Norell
July 20, 2025 | Spokane, WA | Neighbor
We are so sorry to hear. Pam, if your Mom was anything like you, she was a stellar and with a beautiful soul. RIP Marion.
Brad & Sue Johnk
July 20, 2025 | Mapleton, ND | Friend
Oh. So sorry. She was my 4th grade teacher and she is the reason I be ame a teacher. We all loved her. She would let us chase her for May Day. RiP Mrs. Kramer. My sympathies to you all.
Dawn Wold
July 20, 2025 | West Fargo, ND | Student
Marian June Kramer, age 97, of Fargo, North Dakota, and formerly of Heimdal, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025 with her loving daughter at her side. She passed away at Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Nelson Funeral Home in Fessenden, with Pastor Shirley Teske officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Hamberg Lutheran Cemetery in Hamberg, North Dakota.
Marian was born at home on April 14, 1928, in Heimdal Township to John Arthur Solin and Minnie (Berglund) Solin. She was baptized at the August and Britta Anderson farm by Pastor Franzen, alongside her cousin Donald Anderson, with her maternal grandparents, Halvar and Martha Berglund, serving as baptismal sponsors. Marian was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at the Swedish Klara Church, also by Pastor Franzen—a foundation of faith that would remain central to her life.
Growing up on the family farm, Marian enjoyed all the animals, pets and rural life. She attended school in Heimdal through tenth grade before graduating from Fessenden High School in 1946. Over the years, she helped plan and faithfully attended class reunions, celebrating milestones including her 25th, 40th, 50th, 55th, 60th, and 65th reunions. After high school, Marian pursued her calling as an educator by enrolling at Minot Normal School, now Minot State University.
Her first teaching job was in the rural Berlin School District. Often walking two miles or riding horseback, Marian’s dedication to her students went far beyond the classroom. She started each day by building a fire in the stove, clearing snow from the steps, and preparing baked potatoes in the stove ashes for hot lunch. Her resourcefulness and care reflected her deep commitment to her students and community.
Marian went on to teach at Hamberg #1 (Zeien School), Norway Lake #4, Heimdal, Wellsburg, and ultimately spent the final 23 years of her 41-year career in Fessenden. In 1972, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teaching from Minot State University, becoming the first in her family to graduate from college. Known for her warmth, structure, and encouragement, Marian was beloved by generations of students. She retired in 1990, fulfilling a shared dream with her husband to spend winters in Arizona, which they enjoyed for 12 seasons.
She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She dearly loved her family. Marian was independent, practical and proud. She was a source of help to many of the older people. She enjoyed writing countless skits for wedding showers in the community.
On June 27, 1948, Marian married Lester V. Kramer at the Klara Church north of Heimdal. Their marriage was a true partnership, grounded in love, faith, and shared adventure. Together they raised their daughter, Pam, and found immeasurable joy in their grandsons, Brandon and Jarod. The couple lived five years in Hamberg before settling in Heimdal for the next 54 years. In 2007, they moved to Fargo to be closer to their daughter and family. Marian moved to Bethany Retirement Center, Fargo, in May of 2022.
Marian and Lester were inseparable during their 64½ years of marriage. They enjoyed traveling together, each trip adding to the rich tapestry of memories they shared.
Marian was deeply involved in her church and community. She attended Hoff Lutheran church and was active in choir. After moving to Fargo, she remained active, participating in the Red Hats, the Harvey VFW Auxiliary, the Fessenden Legion Auxiliary, and local birthday clubs. She also served as Secretary for the Heimdal Streetlight Committee, helped care for the Heimdal Hall and Park, and was a director on the Wells-Sheridan Board. Marian was a proud member of the Retired Teachers Association and represented her region for two years in the North Dakota Silver-Haired Legislature.
Marian was thrilled to become a great grandmother to Violet Stirling (Jarod & Kayla) on June 11, 2024. She loved meeting Violet and always said, “She is just darling”.
Marian is survived by her daughter, Pam (Robert); grandsons, Brandon (Christine) and Jarod (Kayla) and granddaughter, Violet. Also, her great nephew, Chris, great niece, Paula and honorary nephew, Rohn Newman. Also, many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband Lester; brothers Clarence, Allan and Cyril; sister Betty; sisters-in-law Lenora Solin and Darlene Solin; brother-in-law Clarence; niece Becky Solin; and nephews Ricky Solin and Gary Nelson.
Her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched—as a teacher, a mother, a friend, and a faithful servant of God. She will be dearly missed.
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