Marion Epema

Marion L. Epema, age 85, of Clara City, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 15, at her residence in Clara City.

A celebration of life will be from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, at the Raymond Christian Reformed Church.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Marion Louise Epema was born on February 18, 1935, near Wood Lake, Minnesota, the daughter of Christian and Anna (Rust) Schlemmer.  She grew up in the Wood Lake community, was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wood Lake and graduated from Echo High School in 1953.  On November 13, 1954, Marion was united in marriage to Richard Epema.  They made their home in Pennock and later moved to a farm outside of Pennock where they raised their five children.

Marion was very involved in home extension, ladies aide and the rural carriers auxiliary.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening and quilting.  Her children and grandchildren were the proud recipients of her beautiful works.  In her later life, she enjoyed traveling, playing cards, quilting and gardening.

She is survived by her five children, David (and Connie) Epema of Jefferson City, MO., Doreen Bergo of Wykoff, Danny Epema of Willmar, Dawn (and Brian) Brewers of Cottonwood and Robert Epema of Lake Lillian; fourteen grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren.  Also surviving are two sisters, Gladys Hellie and Donna Hruska and one brother, Vernon Schlemmer, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard in 2003; a daughter-in-law, Pat Epema in 2017; a great grandson, Hunter Bergo in 2016; six brothers and two sisters.