Marian H. Ruhland

MARIAN HELEN RUHLAND March 15, 1931 - October 5, 2014 Marian Helen Ruhland, age 83, of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Bemidji, passed from this life to eternal life on Sunday morning, October 5, 2014 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, MN. Marian was born on March 15, 1931 in Redwood Falls, MN to Everett and Marie (Moh) Roberts. She attended public schools in Redwood Falls, graduating from high school with the Class of 1949. She went on to attend St. Catherines College in St. Paul, MN where she earned a degree in business. On June 25, 1951, Marian was united in marriage to Delmar Joseph Ruhland at St. John's Catholic Church in Morton, MN. Their marriage was blessed with a daughter, Michelle. Delmar served in the U.S. Airforce for 27 years, so the Ruhland family made their home in a number of locations; including: Germany, California, Arizona, Colorado and North Dakota before settling in Minnesota. In addition to caring for her family, Marian devoted her energies to a number of volunteer projects; including: working as a candy striper in several hospitals, serving as President of the California State PTA Organization, The Children's Home Society, and even channeled her artistic talents into directing community plays. She was very active in their churches where ever they resided and taught Sunday School for many years. Vocationally, Marian worked as an office manager for the Lockheed Aircraft Company and at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. She also volunteered much time at the St, Joseph's Hospital in Park Rapids where she worked as a candy striper and later worked for the Bemidji Public School System helping with the handicapped bus. In the mid-1970's while working at the Grand Forks AFB, Marian was instrumental in helping the authorities catch a spy, by finding irregularities in the office work. Following her retirement in the mid-1990's, Marian enjoyed raising beautiful roses with Delmar in the their lovely gardens. She also enjoyed working with her husband designing trivots and plant stands. They also enjoyed traveling together throughout the United States and Canada and had visited Puerto Rico, Jamaica and had taken several ocean cruises. Marian was a voracious reader and treasured the time she could spend with her family. She was a long time and faithful member of St. Phillips Catholic Church in Bemidji. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Delmar of the Heritage Cottages in Park Rapids; her daughter, Michelle and son-in-law, Tim Yliniemi of Park Rapids; her granddaughter, Amanda Yliniemi of Osage, MN; one brother, Bill (Linda) Roberts of Wisconsin and two sisters: Lucy (Tom) Bowman of Texas and Evelyn (Ray) Visser of Champlin, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Marian was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Delmar Yliniemi in 2004 two sisters: Dorothy and Theresa and one brother, Floyd. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Thursday, October 9, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church at Two Inlets, MN with Father Thomas Friedl officiating. Annette Haas will lead the mass music. Interment will be at the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will be hosted by the church following the service. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM Wednesday with a Rosary at 6:30PM at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and at the church on Thursday beginning one hour prior to the service. To view the video tribute or to give on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com