Marlene Hazel Lindquist

1931 - 2025

April 18, 1931- May 5, 2025

With love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our Mom, Marlene; a vibrant soul who left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

Marlene was born to John and Edna Eiden in Minneapolis, Minnesota where she was raised and later attended nursing school. In 1953, she married Dale Lindquist and together they raised four kids in the Minneapolis suburbs.

Marlene volunteered for the Minnesota March of Dimes and later, the Teenage Medical Clinic in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. In 1973, she was asked to start the West Suburban Teen Clinic in Minnetonka/Excelsior, Minnesota. She took on the role of Executive Director which she held for over 25 years. She pushed social barriers and opened doors for the support of area teens in this role. The clinic's mission was a resource for confidential physical, reproductive health education and mental health care for teenagers and young adults in the area. She also pioneered outreach programs for sexual education of teens in local schools. In the 80's, Marlene earned her BA to professionally manage this non-profit, volunteer-staffed facility, solidifying her commitment to its future. Her efforts were ground-breaking and critical for the teenage community. Her outspoken nature and unwavering values were not merely beliefs-they were the compass that guided her life and inspired those around her. Her work in the community was far more than a career; it was her calling, and she followed.

Marlene retired to Wellfleet, Massachusetts where she fulfilled her dream of living on the ocean. There she continued to serve her community making soup at the Mustard Seed Community Kitchen which served after school teenagers and shut-ins. She enjoyed 10 years of beach life before moving to Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2005 to live in the mountains and be closer to family.

Marlene found joy in the simple, rich pleasures of living. She was a passionate cook who brought people together over meals, an avid gardener who nurtured beauty from the soil, and a storyteller whose tales could fill a room with laughter or quiet reflection. She traveled widely, embracing the world with curiosity and wonder. In 1973, with fear and delight, she took our entire family on a two-month journey through South America, where we traveled across several countries and immersed ourselves in cultures unlike anything we had ever imagined.

The relationship she had with her grandkids was genuine, rich, and purely expressed her ability to bridge generations. To her family and friends, she was a devoted companion-fun, loyal, generous, and loving. Her pets were cherished members of her family, and she mothered with a love that shaped our lives and instilled our values. We will remember her as bold and brilliant who taught us to speak up, care deeply, and never stop fighting for what we believe in.

Marlene is survived by her four children: Karin Lindquist (Andrew Scheu), Patti Lindquist (Coury Armstrong), Thomas Lindquist (Renee Lindquist) and Katie Lindquist (Kent Eriksen); seven grandchildren: Kristin, Johannah, Maggie, Gates, Bria, Owen and Gunnar; and four great-grandchildren: Howard, Molly, Warren and Sawyer. She is also survived by her brother, John Eiden.

She is missed and remembered by the many lives she touched, inspired and nurtured.

A celebration of her life will be held on June 22, 2025 at the Steamboat Springs Community Center from 2-4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: NW Colorado Hospice, northwestcoloradohealth.org; Mustard Seed Kitchen, PO Box 833, Wellfleet, MA 06002.