Marlene Joan Ims

A private family funeral service for Marlene Ims, 91, of Alexandria, formerly of Granite Falls, will be held at Rock Valle Lutheran Church, rural Echo, with interment to follow at Rock Valle Cemetery.

Marlene Joan (Ohliger) Ims was born on August 3, 1934, in Spokane, WA, to Carl and Frances (Sullivan) Ohliger. At a young age, Marlene moved with her family to Granite Falls. In 1950, Marlene was united in marriage to Hilton Ims at Rock Valle Lutheran Church and together, they were blessed with two children: Jeri and John. Marlene was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She was an excellent cook and baker. Her kitchen was often filled with the wonderful aroma of hotdishes, delicious baked goods, and her famous banana bread that she so generously shared. Flowers were her passion. She lovingly tended to her blooming seasonal flower pots and ferns, which decorated the front of her home.

Marlene was dedicated to her church and gave freely of her time serving in numerous positions in the Rock Valle Ladies Aid, choir, Sunday and Bible School, and various other areas. She was also on the ELCA Synod Women’s Board. When not at the church, she was involved with the American Cancer Society, volunteered at the Granite Falls Manor and served as an election judge. She excelled at everything she did, including bowling and golfing. She was especially proud of her many awards for her beautiful hardanger embroidery.

While Marlene enjoyed traveling both in the United States and internationally, more importantly she cherished the time spent with the family attending the grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities, events, and milestones. She was a faithful and loyal fan of #58’s dirt track racing.

Marlene died on Monday, February 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Alomere Health Hospital in Alexandria. Left to mourn her passing are her children Jeri (Warrenn) Anderson and John (Linda) Ims; grandchildren Tom Anderson (Alecia Nickell), Jennifer (Mike) Halvorson, Jonathan (Heidi) Anderson, Nicole Ims, Jessica (Jesse) Ruiz, and Timothy Ims; great-grandchildren Maddie, Kate, Reilly, Parker, Sam, Victoria, Gianna, Cheyanna, JJ, Jonas, Jack, Rylan, and Owen; great-great-grandchildren Presley and Von; siblings Carl Jr., Katherine, Pat, and Michael; as well as many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Hilton, siblings Lois and Robert, and her in-laws.

While Marlene may no longer be physically on this earth, she leaves behind the legacy of her deep love and devotion to family and her strong faith.

May God Bless the Memory of Marlene Joan Ims.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the ALS Association: 1919 University Ave W, Suite 175, St Paul, MN 55104.