Marlene Malchert, 91, passed away on November 13, 2025, at Marillac Manor in Bismarck. She was a wonderful wife, mom, grandma, great grandma, and friend.

A Funeral Service will be at 11:30AM, Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Harvest Global Methodist Church, 1122 N. 3rd St. Suite B., Bismarck, ND. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

Marlene Ruth Malchert was born on October 8, 1934 to John and Emma (Pfeifer) Weber Jr. on the family farm north of Temvik in Emmons County in North Dakota.

She was raised on the family farm and attended school in Temvik about six miles from their home. After she graduated in 1952, the school was closed. After receiving a teaching certificate from Valley City State University, she taught for a year in a one room schoolhouse.

When Marlene was 15 years old, she met Virgil (Skip) Malchert at a roller-skating rink in Linton, ND. Skip would often come along when his dad delivered bulk gas to their farm. They went to a movie on their first date. They dated for about a year and then decided they would get married some day.

Skip’s National Guard unit was called to active duty for the Korean War. In January 1952 he was shipped to Camp Haugen, Japan. Marlene wrote 2-3 letters to him each week while he was in Japan. Skip was honorably discharged from active duty in November 1952. Marlene and Skip were united in marriage on September 2, 1953 at the pastor’s home in Linton, ND. They honeymooned in Yellowstone National Park.

They started their married life in Mandan and were blessed with three children: Debbie, Brian and Gail. They moved to Williston in 1961 where she was employed as a bookkeeper for 30 years, retiring from Webster, Foster and Weston, an engineering firm in 1994.

She was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking, especially pies and cookies. Marlene loved camping with their family, friends, and the Good Sam RV Club. They spent many weekends camping and fishing as a family and enjoyed vacations in Minnesota and other states. They visited 35 states via car or camper.

Their most memorable trip was with their children and spouses to Bar Harbor, Maine in 2003 to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Marlene and Skip were active in the Williston Senior Center and delivered Meals on Wheels for several years, making many friends. She enjoyed playing games and cards with family and friends; her favorite card game was pinochle. She and Skip were active members of the Faith United Methodist Church.

They felt blessed to have attended the weddings of all six of their grandchildren in North Dakota, Minnesota, Texas and Maine, loving all of them dearly and also spending time with their 11 great grandchildren, many of whom referred to her as Grandma Lene.

After living in Williston for 49 years, Marlene and Skip moved to Bismarck. After Skip moved to St. Vincent’s Care Center, Marlene moved into Marillac Manor in June 2021. She would walk down the long connecting hallway to visit him almost every day.

Thank you to the Caring Edge Hospice and Home Care Companions for their compassion in caring for Marlene during her last days.

Marlene will be dearly missed by her three children; Debbie (Steve) Van Berkom, Brian Malchert, Gail (Scott) Smith, along with her six cherished grandchildren; Gretta (Jeremy) Simonson, Jason (Tara) Van Berkom, Molly Malchert, Tara (Matt) Klungtvedt, Michelle (Jed) Repko, and Matthew (Lauren) Smith and 11 great grandchildren Nathan, Alex and Bridget Van Berkom, Walter and Lydia Simonson, Levi and Adelaide Klungtvedt, Jack and Wyatt Repko, and Lucy and David Smith.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents John (1982) and Emma (2002) and her husband Skip (2023).

Every day God calls souls home. Marlene is home now – her journey is complete – her soul is with God. Although we mourn our loss, her life and legacy will live on through all those blessed to have known her and we look forward to one day seeing her again.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be given to Harvest Global Methodist Church, 1122 N. 3rd St., Suite B, Bismarck, ND or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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