Marlene Mekvold

Marlene Mekvold, age 89, of Renner, SD, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

Please join us in our Celebration of Life party for 

Marlene Mekvold.

We are holding the party on August 2nd from 5:00pm-8:00pm, at:

Great Shots Event Center

2505 W. Benson Road

Sioux Falls, SD 57107

605-312-7962

The party is catered, cash bar, and 2 golf bays will be available for group play.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Renner Lutheran Church in Renner, SD with Pastor Laura Phillips officiating. Burial will take place in the summer at Berg Cemetery in Renner.

Visitation with family present will be Saturday, January 25th from 12:30 PM until the time of service at 2:00 PM at Renner Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Renner Lutheran Church or the Berg Cemetery.

Marlene Joyce Mekvold was welcomed into her heavenly home on Sunday, January 19th at sunset having spent her last days at Sanford Heart Hospital and peacefully passed surrounded by her loving family.

Marlene was the only daughter of Bryan and Agnes (Gunderson) Hastings and joined two older brothers. She graduated from Washington High School and attended one year of college at SDSU.

On November 5, 1955, Marlene married Bennett Mekvold and moved to the family farm outside of Renner, SD. They raised seven children. Marlene made every holiday and birthday special even in the lean times. She canned, loved cookbooks and trying new recipes, sewed clothes and decorated beautifully. In 1969 they moved the family to Sioux City, IA and spent 6 years there before returning to the farm in 1975.

Marlene made friends everywhere she went. She cherished her family and friendships within the Renner community. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi for an impressive 71 years nding friends and fellowship that enriched her life.

Marlene lost her husband of 42 years in 1998 when Bennett, who we fondly remember as well, went to his heavenly home. After Bennett’s passing Marlene found a companion in Jerry Irvine. They traveled the world – Russia, China, Ireland, and Alaska were highlights - and spent 12 winters at Palm Shadows a retirement community in Donna, Texas, where they are dearly remembered.

Marlene stayed sharp, was very social and optimistic. Despite chronic health problems, she never complained and was an inspiration to her family.

Marlene is survived by her children Deann (Ron) Younglove, Quincy, IL, Leann Niebuhr (Chuck Sherman), Sioux Falls, SD, Renee Mekvold, Renner, SD, Craig Mekvold, Crowley Lake, CA, Jill Cowles, Chaska, MN, Jana (Bill) McKinley, Lake Stevens, WA, and Steve Mekvold, Sioux Falls, SD; by her grandchildren Jared (Missy) Younglove, Michael (Katie) Younglove, Jennifer (Nick) Kleinjan, Travis Cowles, Abbey (Jon Rood) Niebuhr, Courtland Niebuhr, Lauren (James) Smith, Carrie (Steve Felice) Albertus, and Presley Mekvold; by her 7 great-grandchildren and the one on the way; and a sister-in-law Joanne (Dave) Morton. She is also survived by nieces and nephews of her beloved brothers and Bennett’s sister.

Welcoming her to Heaven are her parents, husband Bennett, brothers Ken and Don Hastings, son-in-law David Niebuhr, sisters-in-laws Donna Mahr and Donna Hastings and a host of relatives.