Murlene M. Brainard

Murlene M Brainard, age 87, of Little Canada, MN, died on October 11, 2023, at Jones-Harrison Senior Living in St Louis Park, MN.

Murlene L Murdock was born on September 16, 1936, in Mandan, ND, to Elinor W. (Bill) and Lillie (Abel) Murdock. Murlene moved to Detroit Lakes, MN as a 6th grader. She graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1954. She married her high school sweetheart, David Brainard, on August 26, 1955. Murlene and David were active in their churches, most recently Community Alliance Church in Detroit Lakes. Murlene & David also enjoyed their timeshare weeks in Branson, MO. Murlene especially enjoyed reading cozy mysteries, spending time with family and playing games like Farkle & Yahtzee.

Murlene started her primary career with Northwestern Bell Telephone as an operator when she turned 16. She continued to work for Bell in various office administrator positions and as District Office Manager until she retired after 32 years.  She went on to provide office administration to a couple of local DL businesses, Hedahl’s and CJJ / Starliner, before completely retiring.

She is survived by three daughters, Vicki Brainard, of Shoreview, MN; Claudia (Don) Wiebold, of Shoreview, MN; and Jacque (Massoud) Brainard Emami, of Cave Creek, AZ; seven grandchildren, Nathan (Jenelle Pangborn) Wiebold, Carmen (Jesse) Wiebold Jefferson, Kyle (Joey) Kohns Wikoff, Alex (Sonja) Kohns, Kaly (Brian) Kohns Mozey, Aric Kohns, and Kara Kohns; and one great-granddaughter, Morgan Rae Kohns. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Brainard, and her parents.

Funeral service will be held at Community Alliance Church, Detroit Lakes, on Sunday, October 29, at 2 PM. Visitation will be at the Church at 1 PM. Memorials may be directed to Community Alliance Church or the charity of your choice.