Marlene Mardell Maeser (Hoistad)
July 14, 1940 - April 30, 2026
Marlene Mardell Maeser (Hoistad) Obituary
Mpls - Marlene Mardell Maeser (née Hoistad), age 85, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Born on July 14, 1940, in Rutland, North Dakota, Marlene was the youngest daughter of Johannes (John) and Mabel (Larson) Hoistad. She grew up in a large farming family alongside her six brothers and five sisters and graduated from Rutland High School in 1958. Later that year, she moved to Minneapolis, where she met the love of her life, Robert K. Maeser Jr. The couple began dating before Robert enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota. They were united in marriage on February 20, 1960, beginning a loving partnership that spanned nearly 66 years.
Together, Marlene and Robert built a life centered on family, raising three children: Robert K. Maeser III (Michelle), Michael T. Maeser (Mary), and Carrie Louise Maeser. Marlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert; her daughter, Carrie; her parents; and ten of her brothers and sisters.
She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Robert and Michael; her seven grandchildren, Jake, Danielle, Nicole, Luke, Alexandra, Jonathon, and Zachary; her two great-grandchildren, Emma and Maddie; her surviving sister; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Marlene was a woman of remarkable strength, warmth, and determination. In the late 1970s, she returned to the workforce and became the manager of a PDQ store in Richfield, where she earned recognition as the first female recipient of the Manager of the Year award. She was deeply involved in her community, volunteering extensively with Bloomington youth sports and serving as a dedicated leader in both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. In recognition of her service, she was honored with the prestigious Silver Beaver Award, the council's highest adult volunteer honor for noteworthy service to youth.
Marlene and Robert retired at the age of 55 and moved to Victoria, Minnesota, where they embraced life to the fullest. She had a passion for golf, bowling and traveling with family and friends. Above all, Marlene treasured time spent with her loved ones.
Her kindness, generosity, and steady presence touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Service Details: Monday, May 18, 2026.
Location: Minnesota Masonic Home Chapel
11501 Compass Drive, Bloomington, Minnesota.
Visitation 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.,
Celebration of Life from 12:30 p.m. to 1:10 p.m.
Reception will follow in the Dan Patch Room from 1:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Edina Chapel 952-920-3996
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marlene, please visit our floral store.
Mpls - Marlene Mardell Maeser (née Hoistad), age 85, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Born on July 14, 1940, in Rutland, North Dakota, Marlene was the youngest daughter of Johannes (John) and Mabel (Larson) Hoistad. She grew up
Published on May 10, 2026