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Marvel C. Workman Obituary – 1/6/2012


Marvel Clara (Birkholz) Workman, age 95, of Lester Prairie, died Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, at Glencoe Regional Health Services Long Term Care.

She was born Aug. 1, 1916, in Lester Prairie, the daughter of Louis and Louise (Villwock) Birkholz. Marvel was baptized as an infant Aug. 20, 1916, and was confirmed in her faith as a youth April 13, 1930, both at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Bergen Township, Lester Prairie.

She received her education in Lester Prairie, and was a graduate of the Lester Prairie High School class of 1934.

Marvel was united in marriage to Byron “Barney” Workman April 11, 1947, by the Rev. Amandus Vomhof at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Winsted. The couple made their home in Minneapolis and the Brainerd Lakes area.

Marvel and Byron shared over 42 years of marriage, until Byron passed away Dec. 14, 1989.

Marvel spent her last years in Glencoe.

She held employment at Spencer Kellogg in Minneapolis, as an executive assistant, retiring in 1972. The family then moved to Nisswa.

Marvel was also a “restricted radio telephone operator” during World War II.

She was a member at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie.

Marvel enjoyed sports, especially baseball; traveling, fishing, beautiful gardens, and teaching the game of bridge. She also loved giving to charities. She was family-oriented, and cherished the time spent with family, especially her nieces and nephews, and friends.

Marvel is survived by her brother, Orval “Bud” Birkholz of Glencoe; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Byron, she was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Louise Birkholz; a sister, Clarice Carlbom; and brothers, Roland Birkholz, and Bruce Birkholz.

Funeral services took place Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. at the St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie with the Rev. Eric Nelson officiating. Marsha Christenson was the organist. Congregational hymns included “Abide With Me,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Nearer My God To Thee.” Interment was at the Lester Prairie City Cemetery.

Arrangements were by the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel of Lester Prairie. Online obituaries and guest book are available at www.hantge.com; click on Obituaries/Guest Book.

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