Marion Irene Cruikshank

Marion Irene Cruikshank, age 81, entered eternal life on July 23, 2025. Marion was born on December 3, 1943, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Bernhard and Irene Wegner. She graduated from Faribault High School in 1961 and went on to attend beauty school in Mankato, earning her beautician's license. Marion began her career at Milady's Beauty Salon in Faribault before marrying her high school sweetheart, David Cruikshank, on June 6, 1964. Just days after their wedding, Marion and Dave packed up their 1957 station wagon, hitched a U-Haul, and moved to Maryland, where Dave was stationed with the U.S. Navy. There, Marion continued her work as a beautician in the base salon. After Dave's discharge, they returned to Minnesota and made their home in Bloomington, where they spent the next 59 years together and were blessed with two daughters: Julie and Joanie. In addition to raising her family, Marion worked for a dermatologist and later for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, supporting the taxidermy division. Marion was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She cherished time with her grandchildren-playing games, reading stories, coloring, and helping them learn to read and write. She enjoyed gardening, long walks, word finds, Wheel of Fortune, and always had a fondness for large earmuffs. A dedicated volunteer, Marion gave generously of her time at church, participating in the sewing group, grooming the church grounds, sharpening pew pencils, and gathering baby clothes from thrift stores to donate to families in need. She was preceded in death by her sister Ilene Henry, brother-in-law Warren Henry, brother Eugene Wegner, and parents Bernhard and Irene Wegner. Marion is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, David; her daughters, Julie (Ross) Tanner and Joanie (Tim) Ilstrup; her sister, Kathleen (Mark) Humphrey; her grandchildren Nicholas (Allie) Jonas, Brody Ilstrup, Cael Tanner, and Aiden Tanner; and her great-grandsons, Wesley and Ryland Jonas. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Little Hospice for their compassionate and loving care. We would like to thank our family and many friends for their loving support. Memorials preferred to City Life Center, PO Box 23236, Minneapolis, MN 55423 Celebration of Life service will be held at Emmaus Free Lutheran Church, 8443 Second Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420 on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior.

Tributes

Marion Irene Cruikshank

December 3, 1943 - July 23, 2025

Tributes

Marion Irene Cruikshank

December 3, 1943 - July 23, 2025

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