Margaret "Marge" A. Orness

Margaret “Marge” A. Orness, age 89, of Mankato, passed away, January 17, 2025.

Memorial Service 2:00 p.m., February 1, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mankato. Visitation will be one hour before service. Mankato Mortuary assisted with arrangements. 

Memorials may be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mankato or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Margaret was born January 14, 1936, to Glen and Thelma (Olson) Elletson. Marge graduated from Madelia High School in 1953 and Luther College in 1957 with a degree in Physical Education and Speech.

Marge was united in marriage to Jerome “Jerry” E. Orness on August 18, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Madelia. Marge was a stay-at-home mom to her children. After her children were grown, she became a real estate broker, selling many homes until her retirement. During retirement, Marge made and sold Viking knit jewelry with her daughter Laurie. 

Marge loved spending time with her family, downhill skiing, and gardening. She was also an avid golfer, enjoyed sewing, knitting, baking, making jewelry and crafts, and traveling.

Marge is survived by her husband, Jerry; three children, Laurie (Jeffrey) Lee, Dave (Laurie) Orness, and Kari (Jeff) Edwards; six grandchildren, Jonathan Lee, Kiersten (Cory) Anderson, Josh (Meghan) Orness, Nicole (Aaron) Cheers, Luke Orness and fiancé, Clarissa Stiller, and Rachel Edwards; five great-grandchildren, Lucy and Audrey Anderson, Nora and Mason Cheers, and Stetson Reuvers; two sisters, Merle Teague and Mary Roehl; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert Elletson; brothers-in-law, Bill Teague and Dave Roehl.