Marie Iverson, 83, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at St. Pauli Lutheran Church, rural Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Carl Hansen officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Monday, February 20, 2012 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Tuesday at the St. Pauli Lutheran Church. Marie Grace Benston (born as Mary) was born on September 28, 1928 in at home on the family farm in Rocksbury Township, Pennington County, MN the daughter of Clarence and Hilma (Olson) Benston. She attended country school in Rocksbury Township through the fourth grade, Knox Elementary and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1947. Marie stayed at home and helped on the family farm following her high school graduation. Marie was baptized and confirmed as an adult following her marriage to Harley Iverson on October 14, 1950. They were married in a double ceremony with her sister Mildred and her husband Alvin Rondorf. The ceremony took place at First Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. Six children were born into the loving home of Marie and Harley: Gary, Eileen, Milan, Vinse, Virgil and Dale. She and Harley lived their lives in a strong, committed Christian way. Marie and Harley made their home on their dairy and small grain farm in Smiley Township, Pennington County. In 1987 they retired to the Iverson family homestead in Rocksbury Township. She was very lady like but yet hardworking woman. Marie was very concerned about tending to her husband, children, family and friends. She always kept busy; if there was something to be done, she would work until it was done. Marie even enjoyed playing ball with Harley and the kids when they were younger. Marie along with the Sorteberg and Rondorf families saw to it that birthdays and holidays were always celebrated together. Marie was a great cook; she baked a cake almost every other day because she knew Harley and the kids enjoyed it. Over the years, Marie enjoyed reading, watching Hee-Haw on the TV, needlework, quilting, embroidery, crocheting, flower and vegetable gardening, and loved to keep her wood stove going. She and Harley liked to go to the dances and also enjoyed listening to old time music. She was a member of St. Pauli Lutheran Church where she was active with the ladies aide. Survivors include children, Gary Iverson, Eileen (John) Kotaska, Milan (Carol) Iverson, Vinse Iverson all of Thief River Falls, and Dale (Kathleen) Iverson of Richford, VT; six grandchildren, Daniel, Dean, and Tammy Kotaska, Kari, Kelly, and Kasey Iverson; 7 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mildred Rondorf and Clarice Sorteberg both of Thief River Falls; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Harley in 2002; infant son, Virgil; infant granddaughter, Rose Marie Kotaska; and infant grandson, Bobby Michael Iverson. SPECIAL MUSIC AT THE FUNERAL SERVICE: Trinity Trio: Mike Sorteberg, Jay Forney & Rick Erickson "Will There Be Any Stars In My Crown" & "Softly And Tenderly" CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS AT THE FUNERAL SERVICE: "In The Garden" & "The Old Rugged Cross" ACCOMPANIST AT THE PRAYER SERVICE: Faye Auchenpaugh CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS AT PRAYER SERVICE: "How Great Thou Art" & "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" CASKETBEARERS: Ron Rondorf, Jim Rondorf, Mike Sorteberg, Merle Sorteberg, Rob Robson, Dan Barth HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Crystal Barth, Kristine Robson, Lori Sorteberg, Roxane Rondorf & Jodie Rondorf