Donene Malingen

Donene Malingen, 88, of Fergus Falls, MN, went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Donene Lois Johnson was born the youngest of four children on May 22, 1936, near Arnegard, ND to Walter and Myrtle (Earley) Johnson. Her elementary school years were spent in Arnegard and later in a rural Wilkin County, MN country school. She graduated from Barnesville High School in 1954.

After high school, Donene began her work career in the offices of Lake Region Electric, Church of the Lutheran Brethren, Hillcrest Academy and retired from Northwestern Manor.

Donene and her high school sweetheart, Marlen Malingen, were married in Little Bethany Church on June 15, 1957.

A devoted wife and mother, Donene’s life revolved around her family. She had the heart of a servant, sharing Jesus in the ways she helped and served others. Donene was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church.

Donene is survived by her husband of 67 years, Marlen; sons Mark (Stephanie) Malingen of Alexandria, MN and Terry (LaShawn) Malingen of Rothsay, MN; grandsons Carter Malingen, Lane (Emily) Malingen, David and Andrew Malingen; great grandson Walter Malingen; brothers Norris (Darlene) Johnson and Milton (Joanne) Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donene was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Myrtle Johnson; parents-in-law Melvin and Ella Malingen; infant daughter Vicki Ann; brother Norman (Beverly) Johnson; sister-in-law Berdella (Kenneth) Sogn and brother-in-law Alan (Ramona) Malingen.

Memorials to Inspiration Point Bible Camp and the Deacon/Deaconess Fund at Bethel Lutheran Church are preferred.

Celebration of Life: 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 28, 2025, with a visitation from 12:30-2 P.M., at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, MN.

Officiating: Rev. Dave Foss

Interment: Little Bethany Cemetery, Barnesville, MN, at a later date.