Marilyn Jean Askelson, age 68, of Twin Valley, Minnesota, died Friday, June 5, 2009, in Bridges Medical Services, Ada, Minnesota.

Marilyn Jean Askelson was born December 19, 1940, the daughter of Louis and Edna (Madson) Boit in Dickenson, North Dakota. She was raised and attended school in the Georgetown, Minnesota, communities. While a young woman, she lived in Fargo, North Dakota, and was employed at American Linen Company. On November 11, 1961, Jean was united in marriage to Ted Askelson at Ulen, Minnesota. They made their home on a farm near Borup, Minnesota, for nearly 40 years. While living at Borup she worked for area farmers during harvest and at both the Creamery Restaurant in Ada, Minnesota and Agsco in Moorhead, Minnesota, in the fall for several years. After their retirement in the late 1990's, they moved to Twin Valley, where they have lived since.

Jean was a member of the Winchester Lutheran Church in Borup. She liked to garden and spent as much time as she could outside. She loved being with her grandchildren and treasured spending time with them. Another activity Jean enjoyed was going for rides in their restored 1956 Ford, the car they had when they were married.

She is survived by her husband, Ted, Twin Valley, MN; her daughter, Karla Pearson, Ada, MN; a son, Kerry (Denise) Askelson, Twin Valley, MN; one sister, Rose Goble, Georgetown, MN; five grandchildren, Matthew (Crystal) Askelson, Michael (Megan) Askelson. Mark Askelson, Libby Pearson and Haley Pearson and two great grandchildren, Gabby and McKenzie Askelson.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, one infant son, one grandson, and four brothers.

Funeral services will be Thursday, June 11, at 11:00am in the Winchester Lutheran Church, Borup, MN. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00pm until 7:00pm with a prayer service at 7:00pm in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley, MN and also one hour before the services at the church. Pastor Karla Mickelson will officiate with Monica Winter serving as organist and vocalist. The pallbearers will be June Zuk, James Boit, Kevin Boit, Janet Carson, Vernon Goble and Curtis Boe. Honorary pallbearers will be all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Interment will take place at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.