Marlene Linn

Marlene Linn, age 86, of Savage, MN, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025, at Rivers of Life Assisted Living in Savage, MN.

The family will celebrate Marlene’s life with a private Mass of Christian Burial in February 2025.

Marlene Theresa Linn (“Traci” to her friends) was born at home on October 21, 1938, in Lac Qui Parle County, Walter Township, MN, to Gerhard “Jerry” and Louise (Brown) Linn. She was educated in Rosen, MN, and Bellingham, MN, before moving to Big Stone City, SD, where she graduated from Big Stone High School. After high school, she made a bold decision to move to Kansas City, KS, where she was accepted into and graduated from the Trans World Airlines (TWA) Stewardess School. Flying was a glamorous career in the 1960s era, now known as the “Golden Age of Flying.”

Marlene’s first job was with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Years later, she was hired by Western Airlines. Her career enabled her to travel the world. She especially loved her time as a tourist in Europe, New Zealand, and Canada. Marlene lived in Los Angeles, CA, early in her career before making Denver, CO, her permanent home for over 50 years. In 2020, Marlene returned to MN to be near family due to declining health.

Marlene retired from the airline industry in the 1980s and enjoyed time off for several years before returning to work as a Legal Secretary at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO. She retired from full-time employment in 1996. Marlene then worked part-time for many years as a department store salesperson for Estée Lauder. She loved teaching makeup skills to clients, which was evident in her sales. She was awarded the Estée Lauder Diamond Sales Award several times.

Marlene was a talented seamstress with a knack for remodeling clothing. Her other hobbies included painting her beloved winter mountain landscapes, attending ballroom and swing dance evenings at local dance venues, and gathering for dinners with friends. She was a kind and loyal friend to many, always willing to help whenever asked.

Left to cherish Marlene's memory are her sister, Audrey (Elmer) Binsfeld; nephew, John (Lori) Binsfeld; niece, Teri Binsfeld Whiting; great-niece, Desirae Whiting; and great-great-nephew, Dakota Whiting; along with her many wonderful friends. 

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents: Jerry and Louise Linn; and brother, Ronald Linn.

Memorials to honor Marlene may be sent to:

Ecumen Hospice - 3530 Lexington Ave. N. - Shoreview, MN 55126.