Marlene Votava

marlene votava
Marlene Votava, 84, passed away peacefully at New Brighton Health and Rehab Center on Sunday, October 8, 2017. She was surrounded by the love and support of her daughters as she made her journey to join her parents and siblings. Sonnia Marlene Gunderson was born on October 19, 1932 to Edith and Elling Gunderson. She was raised in Page, North Dakota where she attended school and cherished growing up in a rural community with her friends and siblings. Marlene moved to Fargo where she met and married Leonard Votava. Leonard and Marlene enjoyed over 50 years of marriage, raising their daughters, Julie and Shelly, in their beloved home in South Fargo. Marlene worked for Mister Donut in downtown Fargo for several years. Later in life she worked at Freddie’s Lefse and eventually at Shotwell’s Floral where she spent over 20 years fostering her passion for plants and flowers. She looked forward to working in the greenhouses each spring and discovering a “different” flower to add to the collection of her favorites. Every summer her yard was filled with beautiful flowers which she was happy to share with family and neighbors. Marlene also enjoyed her weekly trips to bingo and spending time at the lake with her family. As her grandchildren grew, she proudly attended Zach and Ben’s football, hockey games and Madi’s volleyball games. Marlene is survived by her devoted husband, Leonard (Fargo); daughters Julie (Kris) Condon, Maple Grove, MN; Shelly (Charity) Votava, Brooklyn Park, MN; 3 grandchildren: Zach and Ben Condon and Madison Schoephoerster; her sister, Joanne (Jim) Lee Fargo, ND; brother, Jim (Gail) Gunderson, Montana; and several beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Elling Gunderson; brothers, Gordon, George and Edwin; sister, Eleanor Jones; and several nieces and nephews. There will be a funeral service at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 13, 2017 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo with a visitation one hour prior.

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  1. Julie and Shelly , my deepest ,heartfelt sympathy goes out to you both and your dad, leonard. your mom and I had really fun times together working with all those flowers for years, and having wonderful fun times playing bingo ,and going to the casino….we shared a lot together….I thought a lot of your mother, and will truly miss her but will have wonderful memories of marlene…..may the heavenly Father bless you all ….lee

  2. Rip aunt marlene we will never forget you love prayer and peace be with uncle Leonard Shelly julie and the rest of the family at this time and always smile Marlene God’s got a beautiful garden waiting for you to help him with along with bingo on the side love forever until we meet again. Love Ryan veronica evra
    Gunderson

  3. I would like to extend my deepest condolences Marlene’s family and friends. Soon the time will come where we will be able to to see hug and never have to let go of our loved once again. God’s promise to soon “swallow up death forever” and “wipe away the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25;8) for now cherish all the beautiful memeories shared with Marlene as God has her in his memory.


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