Marianne M. Burnside

Marianne Burnside, a remarkable woman of 93 years, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 5:30 a.m. at Frazee Care Center in Frazee, Minnesota, surrounded by her cherished family. Born on June 16, 1931, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Florence and Henry Hoffman, Marianne’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with dedication to family, community, faith, and an unyielding zest for living. Her journey touched countless lives, leaving a legacy of love, resilience, and spirited independence.

Marianne grew up in the Becker County area, attending country schools in Becker County and Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. During Marianne's senior year, she moved to Colorado, where she graduated from Swink High School in Swink, Colorado in 1949. Eager to pursue her passion for education, she returned to Minnesota to attend Teachers Training School in Park Rapids, MN, laying the foundation for a career in teaching that would shape young minds across multiple counties.

On July 25, 1951, Marianne embarked on a lifelong adventure with Clarence Burnside of Hawley, Minnesota, in a spirited elopement ceremony at her aunt and uncle’s ranch in Broadus, Montana. Their love story took them to Seattle, Washington, before they returned to Hawley and eventually settled at 231 Sherman Street in Detroit Lakes, where they built a home filled with laughter and love for 54 years. After Clarence’s passing in December 2000, Marianne continued to embody the strength and spontaneity that defined their partnership. She later resided at Union Central Apartments in Detroit Lakes for 10 years and spent her final two years at the Frazee Care Center, where she embraced the staff as family and became a beloved fixture, known for her card-playing prowess and enthusiastic participation in activities.

Marianne was the matriarch and heart of a large and loving family, raising ten children: Roger (Eileen) Burnside of Anchorage, Alaska; Ronald (Deborah) Burnside of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; Randy (Mary) Burnside of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; Ross Burnside (deceased 1957); Joseph Burnside (Melissa B.) of Frazee, Minnesota; Jonathon (Christine) Burnside of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; Jeffrey Burnside of Fargo, North Dakota; Jennifer McGrady (Tom A.) of Buffalo Center, Iowa; Alec (Bea) Burnside (deceased 2006); and Aaron (Lara) Burnside of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Her legacy extends to 21 grandchildren—April, Sarah, Amy, Zach, Emily, Bridget, Cassie, Kyle, Justin,

Amber, Christina, Danielle, Wade, Kelsey, Alec II, Brittney, Llecenia, Jamie, Heather, Tyler, and Hunter—and 27 great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Marianne’s home was always open, never locked, stocked with candy and open to her grandkids, whom she considered her greatest gift to nurture and cheer on.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Clarence, sons Ross and Alec Burnside l, great-grandson Titus Bosma, her only son-in-law Chuck McGrady, parents Henry and Florence Hoffman, sister Mildred Pachel, and in-laws Joe and Sena Burnside. She is survived by her sister Franny Janke, brother Wayne Hoffman, and her expansive family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Marianne’s commitment to sobriety was a cornerstone of her life, marked by 42 years of dedication to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon. She found strength in sharing her story and the teachings of AA founder Bill W., particularly at the annual Heartland Roundup weekends in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Her journey of recovery was not just personal but a gift she shared generously, offering hope and guidance to others. This commitment was her “one true vice” that sustained her through life’s challenges and joys.

Her professional life was equally impactful. Marianne taught at country schools in Ottertail County, Becker County, and North Dakota, bringing her passion for education to rural classrooms. For 42 years, she worked in direct sales with Stanley Home Products, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and knack for connecting with people. She also waitressed at Erie Jr. and other local restaurants, where her warmth and sass left a lasting impression on patrons and coworkers alike.

Marianne’s heart belonged to her community, where she was a tireless volunteer and advocate. She was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Women’s Catholic Order of Foresters, St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, Catholic Daughters, and CCD (Catechism) as a teacher. She contributed to Meals on Wheels, the Becker County Historical Society, Christian Women’s Club, and the AA/Alanon Club. As a charter member of the Detroit Lakes League of Women Voters, she championed civic engagement. Her political involvement extended to the Becker County Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party, where she held offices and ran for State House of Representatives in 1976 as an Independent, driven by her dedication to people who shared her vision for a better future.

Marianne was a steadfast supporter of causes close to her heart, including the DFL, Becker County Historical Society, Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center (DLCCC), Detroit Lakes Laker Athletics, Native American charities, and televised church services, which she

financially supported. Her faith was deeply rooted in Holy Rosary Catholic Church and United Methodist Church in Detroit Lakes, where she found spiritual nourishment and community.

Marianne’s life was a celebration of simple pleasures and vibrant hobbies. She was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins, meticulously keeping stats during games, and a devoted supporter of Detroit Lakes Laker Athletics, particularly boys’ and girls’ basketball and boys’ hockey. She never missed her grandchildren’s sporting events or activities, cheering loudly and proudly. Her competitive spirit shone in games of Scrabble, cards, bingo, pool, and bowling, where she was known to hold her own against any opponent.

She found joy in the Northwoods, picking berries and canning foods, preserving the flavors of summer. Marianne was a prolific writer, journaling, scrapbooking, and clipping newspaper articles to document life’s moments. She loved catalog shopping, snail-mail donating, and submitting entries to The Great American Think-Off. Her culinary skills were legendary, with her potato salad and Clarence’s grilled chicken topping the family’s favorites. Her go-to snacks included a Whopper Jr. from Burger King with a Coke—her final meal and most requested—hot dogs, Double Mint gum, chocolate, and Half ‘n Half creamer for her coffee.

Marianne’s adventurous spirit led her to travel, explore the Wadena Flea Market, and enjoy picnics with her grandkids. She was a regular at Bible study, book club, and trivia nights, where her sharp mind and quick wit shone. Whether cooking, reading, hosting card games, or diving into a new hobby, Marianne approached every activity with enthusiasm and a touch of spunk.

Marianne was the embodiment of independence, hard work, and spontaneity. Known for her sassy, outgoing nature, she spoke her mind without hesitation, earning her a reputation as a woman who exercised her freedom of speech with gusto. Her spunky demeanor and spirit of giving made her a magnet for friends and strangers alike. She had a knack for rooting for the underdog, whether in sports, politics, or life, and her generosity knew no bounds. Her home was a hub of warmth, where candy was always available, and every visitor felt like family.

Marianne’s life was marked by extraordinary achievements. Raising nine children and nurturing 21 grandchildren were her proudest accomplishments, a testament to her boundless love and dedication. Her 1976 run for State House of Representatives showcased her courage and commitment to public service. She held offices in local and district auxiliary associations, demonstrating leadership and vision.

In May 2021, Marianne was honored as a Minnesota Twins Education Hero for her lifelong contributions to education, a recognition that celebrated her impact as a teacher and mentor. The Detroit Lakes Booster Club also celebrated her unwavering dedication to Laker athletics, acknowledging her as a fixture at games and a champion of student-athletes.

Marianne moved to Frazee Care Center in 2023, where she quickly made it her home, adopting the staff as her own and diving into card games and activities with her trademark enthusiasm. Her final days were filled with the love of her family, who gathered to celebrate her extraordinary life. She passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will endure through her family, friends, and the communities she touched.

Marianne Burnside was a woman of unparalleled spirit, whose life was a masterclass in resilience, generosity, and joy. Her story is one of love for her family, faith in her community, and an unrelenting passion for living life on her own terms. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a sassy, independent, and profoundly inspiring soul.

Services will be conducted for Marianne at David Donehower Funeral Home on Friday, June 27th, 2025 beginning with a visitation at 11am and formal services starting at 1pm, officiated by Pastor Kim Schnitzer. Burial will take place at Holy Rosary Cemetery of Detroit Lakes at 3pm that same day.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Detroit Lakes Alano Club, 827 Summit Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN, 56501, in memory of Marianne B. and/or the Frazee Care Center, 219 Maple Ave W., Frazee, MN, 56544 in memory of Marianne Burnside.