Marion Ogden

MORTON – Marion Edward Ogden, 93, of Morton, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton.

He was born on October 30, 1929, in Waterford Township, Fulton County, son of Elmer and Goldie (Eveland) Ogden. He married Marllene Harland on July 15, 1949, in Canton. She preceded him in death after 66 years of marriage on February 13, 2016. Marion was also preceded in death by his parents, and infant son, Edward; one grandson, Andrew Worner; brothers, Eldon and Clyde Ogden; and sister, Virginia Peterson.

Surviving are his three children, Kent (Dena) Ogden of Cuba, Linda (Larry) Eskildsen of Morton and Rebecca Boysen of Morton; grandchildren, Shelley (Ryan) Patterson, Caleb Ogden, Emily (Brennen Williams) Ogden, Rachel Ogden, Eric Pond, Christopher (Robin) Pond, Brett (Christina) Pond, Brandon (April) Worner, Benjamin (Ashley) Worner, Austin Worner and Alena Boysen; great-grandchildren, Owen Patterson, Gabe Patterson, Rooney Williams, Addison Love, Noah and Nathan Hernandez, Nora Pond, Emaline Pond, Willow Pond, Beckham Worner, Ezra Worner, Aria Worner, Easton Worner and Everest Worner.

Marion was a 1949 Lewiston Community High School graduate and graduated from Caterpillar’s Engineering Training course. He also attended evening classes provided by Canton Community College, Bradley University and Illinois Central College.

He was a Project Engineer in the Powershift Transmission Design group in Caterpillar’s East Peoria plant, retiring in 1991, after 36 years of service. He enjoyed his career and the travels it involved in the U.S., Canada, England and China.

Marion enjoyed traveling the world with Marllene, early years camping with his family, family gatherings, flying in the Bradley Flying Club for 22 years, building houses, woodworking and extensive genealogy research. He and his wife were Peoria Charter Coach travel escorts, including the U.S., Canada and Mexico, for 13 years after retirement. He was a volunteer for AARP for 12 years preparing income taxes for the elderly and low-income people at the Morton Public Library. He also volunteered as a driver for the American Red Cross for 10 years and an arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau for one year. He felt it a distinct calling to give back to people what God had given him according to the lessons of caring and sharing from Luke 12:48.

Marion was a member of Grace Church in Morton for 53 years, where he had taught Sunday school classes and served on the Christian Education Committee.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Grace Church in Morton, with Pastor Doug Habegger and Pastor Brad Habegger officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:15 a.m., Wednesday prior to the service at the church. Cremation will follow the service with a private family burial at Hirstein Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate or Children’s Hospital of Central Illinois.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To view Marion’s video tribute or to leave an online condolence for the family visit www.knappjohnson.com.