Marlene Gehring, 75 of McClusky died Thursday September 23, 2010 at the Missouri Slope Nursing Home of Bismarck.

Funeral services will be held at the Grace Lutheran Church, McClusky on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held at Hertz Funeral Home, McClusky on Monday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Burial will be in the McClusky City Cemetery.

Marlene was born March 8, 1935 near Kief, ND in Strassburg Township. She was the daughter of Gottlieb and Martha (Knodel) Suckert. She attended grade school in Strassburg Township and graduated from the Kief High School in 1953. She then received her teaching certificate and taught in rural schools for a short time. Marlene and Norman Gehring were united in marriage on July 11, 1954 in McClusky. They lived in Cincinnati, Ohio where Norman was stationed while he served in the army. They returned to McClusky in 1958. Marlene was a homemaker and also helped at the family owned and operated Gambles Store in McClusky during the 1970s. Norman passed away on November 1, 1990. "When Norman passed away, Marlene lost her partner, her best friend, her knight in shining armor." Marlene continued living in McClusky until the time of her passing.

Marlene was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church and served with the WELCA Cluster Board. She also held several Grace Lutheran Church WELCA offices and served on the church council. Marlene was a member of the North Dakota Rural Letter Carriers Auxiliary, held all the offices on the North Dakota Rural Letter Carriers Auxiliary State Board and was a delegate to many national conventions. She also served on the McClusky and Kief Centennial committees.

Marlene kept busy with quilting, crocheting and collecting dolls, figurines and bells. She was also very much appreciated for her traditional German cooking and her tasty pickles.

Marlene is survived by three sons and three daughters-in-law, Jeff and Deb of Bismarck, Brian and Karlene of Hazen, Terry and Jackie of Minot; nine grandchildren, Nicole Gagner, Cara and her husband Casey Jahner, Brett Gehring, Kelsey Hill, Carter Hill, Conner Hill, Lance Gehring, Elizabeth and her husband Donovon Stober and Emily Gehring; one great-grandson, Gavin Hill-Fylling; sister, Judy and her husband Wes Juergens of Minot. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents.