Marlene Evelyn Ramerth Harbinson

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Harbinson, Marlene Evelyn Ramerth Age 91 of St. Paul, passed away on December 23, 2023. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and sister. Preceded in death by adoring husband of 66 years John Joseph. Survived by five children: Paul (Janet), Jane (Thomas Maguire), Thomas (Carol), Mary Pat (Patrick FitzPatrick), Betsey (Jay Woody); eleven grandchildren: Molly and Shawn Maguire, Timothy (Sophie Rouhandeh), Daniel, and Joseph FitzPatrick, Matthew and Christin Harbinson, Katie (Sierra FernHern) and John Harbinson, Maxwell (Dr. Andrea Rossman) and Bridget Woody; great grandsons: Henry and Felix FitzPatrick; brother Thomas (Sherlene) Ramerth; brothers-in-law Thomas Harbinson and Jerome (Christine) Harbinson; as well as other family members and friends. Marlene was born to Alexander and Josephine Ramerth in Graham Lakes Township, MN, the second oldest of their four children. She graduated from Fulda High School in 1949 and from the St. Cloud Hospital School of Nursing in 1952. Marlene met her husband John in bed. That was their story, and they loved entertaining people with it! Marlene had just graduated from nursing school and was working the overnight shift in the men's ward. John had been in a car accident and was confined in a neck and upper body cast. He created a big commotion by accidentally knocking over his orthopedic equipment. While Marlene tended to the disorder, John, with limited neck mobility, asked his roommate to look and see if Marlene had "good legs". They were married one year later (this was pre-HIPPA). Marlene thoroughly enjoyed her nursing career of nearly twenty-five years. She worked as a floor nurse in Mankato and St. Cloud. After moving to St. Paul, Marlene went back to school for advanced training in Coronary Care. She worked in that unit and as Head Nurse in the Post Anesthesia Recovery Room, finishing her career at United Hospital. John was exceedingly proud of Marlene's career and her umpteen talents. He loved telling the story of Marlene administering CPR in Las Vegas and saving a restaurant patron's life. They received a free meal out of the deal. Afterwards, John told her, "Keep your eyes open!" He always referred to themselves as "a team." This was so true that in their later years they even wore each other's slacks. They had several playful shticks they often amused themselves with and sometimes others.One of the greatest gifts they gave their children and grandchildren was the example of a devoted and affectionate marriage. As a woman of German heritage who grew up on a farm, Marlene was practical and industrious. For birthdays and holidays, she requested gift certificates to a hardware store or the Home Depot. She was proficient at sewing anything and everything. She considered it a "splurge" to buy sewing machine attachments to monogram her creations. She bought so much fishing line to connect the braids of her rugs that the curious owner of S&S Hardware Store asked her, "Lady, just where are you catching all these fish?" She built and upholstered furniture and never tossed anything that could be used to fix, mend, or jerry-rig a future project. She will forever be remembered for the hundreds of intricate, personalized cross-stitch Christmas ornaments she made for her grandkids and loved ones. Marlene was an accomplished cook and baker, especially famous for her caramel rolls and countless variety of cookies. Marlene deeply loved John and her family. She also loved strong "decaft" coffee, J&B Scotch, risqué jokes, gardening, bridge, and golf. Throughout her life, she was blessed with a deep and rewarding relationship with her Catholic faith. The family is especially grateful that Marlene spent her last years living under the loving guidance of the Sisters of Saint Joseph at Carondelet Village. "Devoted mother" and other cliches, while true, fall utterly short of describing the love and affection she showed her family. We are eternally grateful for the influence she had on each of our lives. Mom, Grandma, Marna - thank you for all you have taught us. We love you and are grateful you are now at peace. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff of Carondelet Village, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, Darla J Roggow, MS, RN and the staff of Optage Hospice for their loving care of Marlene. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date, followed by interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please "pay it forward" and do something kind for someone who needs help, or send a memorial to Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota, 12701 Whitewater Drive, Suite 290, Minnetonka, MN 55343.

Published on December 31, 2023