Marion Nora Eldredge, 91, passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2026, surrounded by family at her home on Big Blake Lake in Wisconsin. She was born Feb. 5, 1935, to Leland and Nora Lyness and raised in Fessenden, ND, as part of a multi-generation farming family. Marion earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul and completed her internship in dietetics at the University of Minnesota.

In 1958, she married Charles Eldredge. They made their home in St. Paul, where they raised six children. Marion worked as a dietetic consultant and nurtured lifelong friendships in their close-knit neighborhood. Following her father’s passing in 1974, the family moved to Fessenden to assume operation of the family farm. Marion served as the director of nutritional services at the local hospital and nursing home. Transitioning from farming to publishing, she and Charles were active in state and national newspaper associations. In 2001, they retired to their longtime lake home in Wisconsin to delight in life as grandparents.

Marion spent decades transcribing and printing the ink-scripted diaries of her pioneering great-grandmother, Sarah Lyness, meticulously bringing history to life. Her clear soprano voice graced countless church services. Her ability to listen was nothing short of sacred, resulting in a vast collection of beloved friends. She was honored to receive the Pax Christi Award by the Superior Diocesan Council of Catholic Women in 2019.

To best understand Marion’s lionhearted spirit, one can imagine the countless times she went well out of her way to offer comfort to someone in need. When their children grew impatient with these frequent detours, Charlie would cheerfully say, “She’s always right about these things, you know.” And she was.

Marion was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, and her brother, Hampton Lyness.

She is survived by her children: Mary (Sherman Sandbo) Eldredge-Sandbo, Des Lacs, ND; Anne Ehni, Fessenden; Chuck (Jennifer) Eldredge, Elk River, MN; John (Davonne) Eldredge, Bismarck; Lisa (Tim) Haag, Luck, WI; Jenny (Cam Potts) Eldredge, Elk River; 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and friends. 

The family suggests memorial gifts to Feed My Neighbor Food Pantry, 101 Hwy. 35 Centuria, WI 54824.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 4:00 to 8:00pm at Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, WI. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00am on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake, WI with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at Holy Rosary Cemetery at a later date.

Last Update: Feb 13, 2026 8:14 am CST