Marie Etterman

Marie Minnie Etterman, age 89, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed peacefully into her heavenly home on January 5, 2026. She was born on July 12, 1936, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Minot, North Dakota, the beloved daughter of Albert and Wilhelmina Boettger.

Marie spent her childhood on a farm near Glenburn, North Dakota, where she learned the values of hard work, family, and faith. In 1947, her family moved briefly to Hankinson before settling in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, in 1948. There, Marie grew into a vibrant young woman, graduating from High School and after attending beauty school.
She began her working career at the Powder Puff in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, before moving to Fargo, where she became a dedicated employee of Manchester Biscuit Company. Fargo was the place where Marie met the love of her life, Paul Etterman. Their story began on the dance floor of the Crystal Ballroom, where music and movement brought them together. They were married on May 4, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, beginning a beautiful life partnership that spanned 68 years.

Marie and Paul built a loving home filled with joy, laughter, and devotion, raising three daughters who were the pride of their lives. As a full-time homemaker, she poured her heart into caring for her family. She delighted in cooking for those she loved, curling up with a good book, and losing herself in music and dance, especially the waltz, which she and Paul danced with grace and happiness. Marie loved shopping and was famous for somehow finding the “most expensive thing” in any store. She also had a deep love for ice cream. Marie was also well known for asking, “Where is Paul?”, always wanting him close. No matter what came her way, Marie always had a wonderful sense of humor and was quick with a joke.

Marie will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a gentle, caring soul. Her warmth, humor, and unwavering love will live on in all who knew her.
She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Paul Etterman; daughters Pamela (John) Verdi, Cindy (Don) Welk, and Brenda Etterman, and her partner Steve; grandchildren, Matthew, Chelsea, Marcus (Abby), Hunter, and Emmalee; sister, Claire; sisters-in-laws, Annie, Eileen, Delores, and Karen; brother-in-law, Jim; and many nieces and nephews.

Marie’s life was one of love, devotion, and quiet grace, a life truly well lived.