MARCELLA GRACE STEFFAN-BROWN

Marcella G. “Marcie” Brown, 99 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Saturday evening, February 2, 2013 at the Heart of America Medical Center, Rugby, ND. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. Marcella will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 5:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Marcella will be Eric Odegaard, Ryan Odegaard, Wade Odegaard, Ryan Frieler, Jerry Narlock and Michael Narlock. Reading the Scriptures will be Connie Narlock and Eric Odegaard. Gift Bearers will be Andrea Odegaard, Ryan Odegaard and Corinne Odegaard. Marcella Grace, daughter of Carrie (McNamara) and Dr. Frank Rutten, was born on January 12, 1914 in Crary, ND. Her mother died when Marcella was one year old. At that time Marcella and her sister, Marguerite were placed with the Valentine and Josephine Walters family of Devils Lake and Marcella made Devils Lake her home her entire life. Marcella attended school at St. Marys Academy in Devils Lake and Moorhead State Teacher’s College at Moorhead, MN where she received her teaching certificate. She was united in marriage to Joseph C. Steffan and he passed away in 1967. Marcella married Jerome Brown and they established their home and businesses in Devils Lake. Jerome passed away in 2001. Marcella loved music and dance, so she opened her own music and dance studio where she taught ballet, tap, piano, guitar and accordion for many years. After she closed her studio she taught physical education at St. Marys Academy and also assisted in their music department for several years. In the 1970’s, she along with her husband, Jerry Brown, opened Marcella’s Music and Interior Decorating business in the Devils Lake Holiday Mall for twelve years. Marcella generously gave of her time and talents by serving on many community boards and participating in many community activities. Marcella was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Altar Society where she served as an officer including President for several years, St. Rita’s Circle, Catholic Daughters of the Americas and as was the church organist and choir director for many years. She was the State President of the Eagles Auxiliary and member of the VFW Auxiliary and volunteered on other community projects. In her retirement, she stayed very active. She continued to be the church organist and played for many weddings and funerals. Several years ago, at age 94, she played piano in a concert with Fr. Wilhelm and Fr. Christiansen given at St. Joseph’s Church. She also went to the local nursing homes and played the piano for the residents. She also enjoyed playing bridge and going to Bingo. She loved to crochet and made many beautiful afghans that she shared with family, friends, and even family pets. She loved seeing her children and grandchildren. She so loved her children and grandchildren and looked forward to their visits. She was cherished and so loved and will be greatly missed. She will always be remembered for her youthful spirit. Age was just a number to Marcella. Her trust in God and her Catholic faith were very important parts of her life. Her loving family who survives her. Her son, Charles R. Steffan and his wife, Margaret of Scottsdale, AZ; daughter, Pamela M. Odegaard and her husband, Wayne of Rugby, ND; step children, Vally (Darwen) Hennings, Arlington, WA, Kari (Steve) Ward, Thief River Falls, MN and Karla Fisk, Fargo, ND; eight grandchildren, Cheryl Garcia, Cindy (Steve) Deschamps, Joe Steffan and Connie (Jerry) Narlock; Eric Odegaard, Ryan (Corinne) Odegaard, Wade Odegaard and Andrea (Ryan Frieler) Odegaard; ten great grandchildren, Christina, Megan, Jamie, Austin, Derek, Emily, Kelsey, Sarah, Michael and Matthew and four great great grandchildren; several step grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Marcella was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Joseph and Jerome and sister, Marguerite Steffan.