Marlyn Kruschke

Marlyn Orville Kruschke died Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at his residence in Battle Lake, MN under the care of his family.

Marlyn was born April 15, 1942 in Breckenridge, MN to Orville and Myrtle (Osborn) Kruschke. As a child, Marlyn grew up on a farm in Sunnyside Township until the family moved to Breckenridge, MN at the age of five years old. A typical boy, Marlyn loved the outdoors. Days were spent fishing, hunting, swimming in the river, going to movies, and bicycling around town with friends. He had his own Star Tribune and Fargo Forum paper route, and later worked at Thulen's Pioneer Meats. After graduating from Breckenridge High School in 1960, Marlyn, and his girlfriend Peggy Antrim, attended Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MN. He graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor's degree in English, Speech, and Theatre.

Marlyn's first teaching job, the fall of 1964, landed him in Isle, MN as an English teacher. His relationship with Peg continued to blossom. July 10, 1965, Marlyn and Peg wed at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Breckenridge, MN. In the fall of 1965, Marlyn attended graduate school at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN. He received his Master's degree in Counseling in 1976. Marlyn started teaching English, Speech, and Theatre at Sauk Rapids High School in Sauk Rapids, MN, in 1966. Marlyn and Peg had two children, Kelly 1967 and Sean 1973. During his years living in Sauk Rapids, MN, Marlyn was active in Civic Club, Rotary Club, Sauk Rapids Township (clerk), and a weekly teacher's bowling league at Southway Bowl in St. Cloud, MN.

In 1999, Marlyn retired from teaching and moved to Otter Tail Lake. A home away from home for many years of their life, spending weekends and summers at the cabin prior to retiring. After completing a newly constructed retirement home on Otter Tail Lake, Marlyn and Peg enjoyed pontooning, gardening, golfing, camping, and traveling to visit friends and family. Marlyn was a member of local organizations and clubs in the Battle Lake area, including Men's 9-hole League at Balmoral Golf Course, Battle Lake Lions Club (president and district zone chair), Everts Township (supervisor), and Otter Tail Property Owner's Association (president and member). Marlyn was also active in the Breckenridge All School Senior Reunion Committee. He enjoyed morning coffee with friends at the Shoreline Restaurant and Lanes.

Marlyn was an avid listener of music, especially 50's and 60's rock and roll and Frank Sinatra. He also enjoyed watching movies and musicals. Marlyn was an avid story teller. Staying connected to his farming roots, he had a passion for mowing and lawn care, maintaining the 28 acres behind their home. Marlyn loved water fowl and deer hunting with Sean, as well as summer and winter fishing. Marlyn and Peg often traveled with Kelly to work conferences across the United States.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Margaret "Peg" Antrim Kruschke, and siblings, Delwin Kruschke, Merle Kruschke, and Gayle Kruschke.

He is survived by his children, Kelly Kruschke and Sean Kruschke both of Battle Lake; sister, Jolene Wurst (Bob) of Montrose, CO; sister-in-law, Michele Antrim (Tom Rieschick) of Fergus Falls, MN, brother-in-law, George Antrim III of Minneapolis, MN and many nieces and nephews.

Per family wishes if you choose to order flowers, please order flowers through Petals and Posies 218-862-5630.

Celebration of Life for Marlyn and Peg: 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 10, 2024 at Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service. Lunch will follow the service at the funeral home.

Clergy: Pastor Jim Bjork

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com