Marilyn A. (Evans) Morstad

Marilyn A. Morstad, 86 of Hampden, ND passed away on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at CHI, St. Alexius, Devils Lake Hospital in the loving care and presence of her beloved family. 

Marilyn Alvina, daughter of Arthur and Myrtle A. (Larson) Evans was born on January 14, 1932 in Langdon, North Dakota. She grew up on the family farm near Loma, ND.  She attended a country school, Langdon Public School, Valley City Public School and Carrington Public School.  She was unable to continue her education due to the health protocols for TB at that time, which required her to be a resident at San Haven for a year as a precautionary measure.

On June 27, 1951, Marilyn was united in marriage to Ordale Morstad at Grand Forks, ND. They established their home on the Morstad family farm, in Storlie Township, near Hampden. They lived, worked side by side and raised their 7 children at the farm. 

Hard work, dedication, faith, love and devotion are only a few words to describe the life of Marilyn. She was out in the fields from spring seeding through fall harvest. She always had a love for her own herd of cattle and horses. Each spring a large garden was planted. Whatever the garden did not supply as well as fruit were also purchased.  She processed and canned the fruits of her labor to keep the family fed throughout the year. Imagine the laundry from a family of 9, toting the laundry basket up and down the basement stairs, then out to the clothesline many times a week, which kept her iron busy in between loads.  She made at the very least, 12 loaves of homemade bread every week.  Marilyn always had beautiful Easter dresses for the girls and suits and bowties for the boys. At the beginning of each school year, Marilyn kept her sewing machine humming to make sure all 7 children had a new outfit for their first day of school. Marilyn did this and more. Whatever was needed to keep the farm going, maintaining her home, caring for her husband and children was always put first before her needs.  Marilyn loved her family with all her heart and thanked her Lord each day for His many blessings.  She passed on that legacy of love and faith to her children, standing at their bedsides each night, teaching them prayers and reminding them to thank God for their blessings too. 

When there was time for a night out, Marilyn and Ordale were out on the dance floor in the area and also learned to Square Dance. Marilyn belonged to a bowling league in Munich.  Marilyn was a faithful and active member of Faith Lutheran Church and the WELCA and later Zoar Free Lutheran Church.  She served as the treasurer of the Storlie Cemetery for many years.  After Ordale died on June 18, 1985, Marilyn continued to make her home on the farm until moving into Hampden in 2001.  Those lonely days were filled with time with family, going to TOPS, later to Curves and enjoying her “daytime stories” and those certain TV shows that required her undivided attention.  Every Saturday she looked forward to a trip to Adeline’s in Devils Lake for her hair appointment with Val. 

Marilyn certainly had to get her hands dirty many times as a farmer’s wife, but she was never seen out of the house without her hair tidy and her makeup in place, including her infamous, bright colored lipsticks. And dressing up always included stiletto heels. 

Our minds and hearts are flooded with memories of our beautiful mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Those memories also bring us great comfort, peace and joy as she rests in the arms of her Lord and Savior. 

Marilyn is survived by her beloved family. Her children Denise (Arlen) Hjelmstad of Hampden, Kathleen Goettl (Darryl “Goober” Metzler) Eagle Lake, MN, Darlene Morstad, Hampden, Michelle (Craig) Dahl, Park River, ND, Carla (Lee) Werner, Starkweather, ND, David (Laurie) Morstad and Glenn (Mykal) Morstad all of Hampden;  thirty-two grandchildren; thirty-six great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren; special family friend Randy Dahl; her beloved canine companion Yenta and many nieces, nephews and their families. 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Ordale; parents Arthur and Myrtle Evans; grandchildren Joshua and Meghan; great granddaughter Gracie Samuelson; son-in-law Geno Goettl; brother and sister-in-law Floyd and Lorraine Evans; sister and brother-in-law Edith and Albert Vandal and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Leo and Arliz Morstad.

Casket Bearers for Marilyn will be her grandchildren Wade Harpestad, Matthew Rasmussen, Terry Olson, Samuel Boehmer, Carly Kuchar, Christopher Morstad and Ordale Morstad. Honorary Bearers for Marilyn are all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Marilyn will be held on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Zoar Free Lutheran Church, Hampden, ND with burial in the Storlie Cemetery, rural Hampden.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, ND on Sunday, April 29^th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service and Time of Remembrance at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation on Monday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.