Marilyn A. Motl

Marilyn’s service will be livestreamed below starting at 6:00 PM Friday, February 28, 2025.

Marilyn Ann Hanft Motl, 93, ended her earthly journey and went to be with the Lord on Sunday February 16, 2025, at Eventide, Fargo, North Dakota surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 5:00-6:00 pm, Friday, February 28 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, 123 10th Street South Fargo, North Dakota 58103 with a Celebration of Life Prayer Service scheduled after at 6:00 pm.

As were Marilyn’s wishes, interment will be next her husband, Edmund, at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, North Dakota this summer.

Marilyn was born April 10, 1931, in Edmunds, North Dakota. She was the daughter of Henry and Caroline Hanft. Marilyn was the youngest of five children; brothers, Marshall and Oscar Hanft; and sisters, Shirley Hodgson and Carol Feuerherm.

Marilyn attended Frazee High School and graduated from the class of 1949. Marilyn worked in the insurance industry for a time in Portland, Oregon and Minneapolis, Minnesota. She married Edmund George Motl, in Tappen, North Dakota on June 25, 1955, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee, Minnesota. Blessed with five children: Steve, Cyndy, Mark, Tim, and Carolyn, they lived in Valley City and settled in Fargo, North Dakota.

Marilyn was a talented artist. She enjoyed creating art, music, playing the piano, and spent her free time writing and creating children’s stories and poetry over the years. She entered college to pursue a teaching degree and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Elementary Education from Moorhead State College in 1972. While at Moorhead State, Marilyn was a member of the Delta Phi Delta Sorority and sang with the Sweet Adeline Musical Chorus for years following her graduation.

Marilyn pursued a successful education career and joined her husband, Edmund, at the Fargo Public School System for 22 years, teaching sixth grade English and Art at Agassiz Jr. High and eventually transferring to Madison Elementary Education. Marilyn and Ed enjoyed teaching along with the rewards of the summer months off. The family spent wonderful years camping and traveling the nation and spending time at their lake home on Lake Six, near Frazee, Minnesota. Ed and Marilyn eventually retired at Lake Six for summers and traveled to New Braunfels, Texas for the warm winter months.

Marilyn was kind, caring, wise, loving and always had a twinkle in her eye. She loved her family and extended family to 18th Street South, Fargo and beyond.

Those left behind to cherish her memory include her children Steve Motl, Waconia, Minnesota, Cyndy (Jeff) Klein, East Dubuque, Illinois, Mark (Shari) Motl, Mount Vernon, Washington, Tim Motl, Fargo North Dakota, and Carolyn (Troy} Anderson, Moorhead, Minnesota. Grandchildren include Chelsea Marquette, Cody Nelson, Jacob, Janelle Motl, Ryan, Travis, Conner Motl, Caleb and Tucker Motl.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Caroline; her husband Edmund (who passed away in 2015); her two sisters, Shirley Hodgson and Carol; and two brothers, Marshall and Oscar.

A Marilyn Motl Memorial has been established.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the wonderful, loving care Marilyn received during her stay at Eventide. Also, to thank Ethos Hospice of Fargo for the tender kindness and support during this time.