Marilynn Joanne Welter

Marilynn Joanne Welter, 82, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away at Altru Hospital on Wednesday, December 13, 2017. Marilynn was born April 2, 1935, in Albert Lea, MN, the daughter of Walter & Marie (Iverson) Opdahl. She grew up in Crookston, with her three sisters, and graduated from Crookston High School in 1953. She met Kenneth D. Welter at a skating rink in Crookston, MN. They were united in marriage on Nov. 16, 1953 in Crookston. Together they made their home in Grand Forks where they raised four children.Everyone that knew Marilynn would describe her as kind, caring, and compassionate. She was always ready to help out friends and family. She was part of the church group that would serve families after church events. Marilynn spent most of her life as a homemaker taking care of her kids. After her kids were grown, she volunteered weekly at Altru Hospital. Marilynn and her two good friends delivered flowers to patients to brighten their spirits. Later in life she enjoyed working at the Dollar Tree. The credit card machine caused her frustration but she enjoyed visiting with all the customers. She was an avid reader. She went so far as to keep a notebook of all the books she had read (organized by author) and books she wanted to read. Marilynn enjoyed baking for the holidays and any other special event. She was known for her sewing projects. She made doll clothes and barbie clothes for her grandchildren to play with. Marilynn had an extensive group of ladies that she met through her bowling and bunko groups. She loved being out and socializing. She was always up for a game of cards or any other game. She took pride in teaching her grandchildren the fine art of winning at cribbage and nertz. Marilynn enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren over the years. She was the lifeline that kept everyone within the family connected and up to date with family events. She was known for always sending cards on birthdays and holidays. She kept her calendar up to date with every birth and anniversary not only for her immediate family but her extended family as well. Ken and Marilynn enjoyed spending time at their lake homes in Maple Lake, Lake Andrusia, and Cass Lake. It was always a special time to load up the pontoon and head over to Star Island. Marilynn especially enjoyed wintering in Florida. In the early years they would pack up all four kids in the Cadillac and would take the long trip to Tampa. They had a home in Fort Meyers for several years that they would vacation during the winter months later in life. Marilynn is survived by her husband, Kenneth; children, Craig Welter, Melanie (Bob) Johnson both of East Grand Forks, MN, Randy (Barb) Welter of Murphy, NC, Diana Welter of Savage, MN; sisters, Wanda Wilkens, Lois (Glen) Thompson and Darlene (Al) Sandberg all of Crookston, MN; 11 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 18, 2017 at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks, with visitation one hour prior to the service.