Marlene Joice "Bjorklund" Robarge

Marlene Joice Robarge, age 89, of Cloquet, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at Inter-Faith Care Center.

Born on August 19, 1936, in Cotton, Minnesota, Marlene was the only child of Arthur and Elsie Bjorklund. She graduated from Cotton High School and went on to work at St. Luke's Hospital, where she lovingly cared for newborns in the birthing center.

Marlene married the love of her life, Bill Robarge, and together they raised three children. She chose to stay home and devote her time to her family. A creative soul, she enjoyed arts and crafts - especially painting birdhouses. She loved watching the birds and hummingbirds outside her window, although she had an ongoing battle with the squirrels and was always scheming up clever ways to keep them away.

Marlene also had a great appreciation for life's simple joys - like her beloved 1:30 p.m. happy hour, a daily tradition she cherished.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in 2017.

Marlene is survived by her son, Duane (Nanette); daughters, Dorleen Robarge and Debbie (Ray) Daigle; grandson, Ricky (Cliton) Elliot; and her loyal dog, Chico.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Inter-Faith Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care of Marlene in her final days.

An open-house style visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 27, at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy.