Marion Audrey Birkeland

December 10, 1929 - June 14, 2022

Marion Audrey Birkeland was born December 10, 1929 to Clarence and Gunhild (Haugen) Syrtvedt in Warren, Minnesota. Marion was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Marion graduated from Lincoln High School, Thief River Falls, MN in 1948. She later received a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Moorhead State Teachers College, now Minnesota State University Moorhead. Marion loved teaching the early elementary grades, primarily 2nd grade. She taught in several schools in Minnesota and Colorado before taking a teaching position in Edina. She taught in the Edina School District for 25 years until her retirement in 1998. Marion met Carsten Birkeland on a blind date to the Old Log Theatre in Excelsior. Their relationship grew and deepened. On August 11, 1967, she married the love of her life, Carsten M. Birkeland. Marion and Carsten were members of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Marion was an active member of Mount Olivet Church Women and past Chair of the Holly Circle. In their retirement, Carsten and Marion enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and California. They also traveled to Norway where both Carsten and Marion met members of their respective families. Marion was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Gunhild Syrtvedt and her husband, Carsten. Marion is survived by many cousins and friends. Marion will be remembered for her friendly manner, her love of Carsten, her recognizable giggle and her deep faith. Service will be Tuesday, June 28 at 11AM at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave S, Minneapolis, with visitation one hour prior. Memorials preferred to Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. Wasburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996