Loren Marsden

Loren Lee Marsden was born on July 6, 1924, at Madelia, MN, to parents William Nettie (Cookman) Marsden. Loren grew up in the Lewisville and St. James areas. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. at age 16 and served 4 1/2 years in the army being stationed in the South Pacific. On October 15, 1948, Loren married Mildred Pfeil at Worthington. The couple made their home in St. James. Loren owned and operated Western Auto Hardware in St. James for several years before becoming the Postmaster in St. James.Loren then worked in Food sales for Tony Downs Foods until his retirement in 1986. Following retirement, he drove the VA van for Watonwan County Veterans. Loren enjoyed playing cards,shooting pool,woodworking, and making jewelry. He was an avid fisherman, spending summers with Mildred at their lake home on Lake Amelia and wintering at their home in Mesa AZ for 22 years. Loren was a Life member of the VFW, a member of the Masonic Lodge #96, and First Presbyterian Church. Loren loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Clifford, Clinton, Gayle, Billy, a sister Eleanor Behrends, 3 sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law. Loren is survived by his wife Mildred Marsden of St. James, daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra David Rettke of Odin, Shirley Lee Dettmer of Princeton, Sharon David Augustin of Faribault, Sheila Richard Spitzner of St. James, 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.