Marian Jean DeMars

Marian Jean (Zosel) DeMars, 96, passed away Friday, May 31, 2019, in Fergus Falls following a brief illness in the presence of her loved ones.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph, two sons John (Bette) DeMars and James (Janet) DeMars, two grandchildren Kate (Matt) Nelson and Joseph (Julia) DeMars and two great grandchildren, Graham and Cedar. She had the good fortune of mental acuity to the end of her days, embracing the complexities of a long life, taking a keen interest in the lives of others, and recalling with care the family lore of her community. She took pride in cooking and homemaking while surrounding her boys with piano lessons, musicals, operettas, songs, symphonies, classic art, powerful photography, inspiring poetry, philosophy and science.

She received a bachelor’s degree from Moorhead State University and taught school in Ulen, Verndale and finally Battle Lake where she developed a passion for women’s athletics. Notably, she introduced her students to ballroom dancing and organized the town’s first prom.

In the community she was a lifetime member of the Fergus Falls PEO, Chapter M, a bridge club, a study group on world religions. and promoted adult education as a co-founder of the Battle Lake Women’s Progressive Club. Her memories include waving good-bye in Los Angeles as her husband shipped out for the invasion of Japan, working as a lifeguard, running the soccer field with her students, touring the U.S. with her friends, and 75 years of marriage to her devoted husband, Joe. She was a champion in the search for the joy of life, gave her time to others and brought joy to many; hers was a life well-lived.

A celebration of Life for Marian DeMars will be held at Lakeview Senior Living, 605 N. Lake Ave., Battle Lake MN on Saturday, June 15, 2-4 pm.