Marian Ardis Ahnemann

Marian Ardis (Yonkey) Ahnemann of Albert Lea passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Good Samaritan – Bancroft Creek Estates in Albert Lea, MN. She was 93 years old.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Mansfield Lutheran Church in Alden. Visitation will be held from 5- 7 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea and again 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor Donald Rose will be officiating. Interment will be in the Rice Lake Cemetery near Wells, MN. A Luncheon will follow the service. Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, MN, has been honored with assisting the family.

Marian Ahnemann was born on May 3, 1933, in Foster Township to Major and Esther (Courrier) Yonkey. She grew up on her family’s farm near Wells. Marian was baptized and confirmed at Rice Lake Evangelical Church, went to Country School District 130, and graduated as Valedictorian from Kiester High School in 1950. In her senior year, she worked at Kiester Bank and continued there after graduation. On December 4th, 1951, she married Edgar Ahnemann at Rice Lake Church. They farmed together for many years and raised four children. Her faith was always important to her, and she was active at United Lutheran Church. Marian welcomed her niece Kara Swanson into her home, as well as two exchange students from Finland, Ismo and Jouko. Marian was a founding member of the Foster Fires 4-H club and belonged to both the Book Exchange Club in Alden and the Fountain Lake Book Club in Albert Lea. She enjoyed reading and trying new recipes, and she made quilts for her family. Marian loved her garden, especially when butterflies visited. She was grateful for the chance to travel to Europe and Finland, and she and Edgar spent nearly 30 winters in Arizona. Most of all, Marian cherished time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Blessed be her memory.

She is survived by her children: Mark Ahnemann, Jacqueline (Robert) Krenik, Wanda (Eric) Kaehr, and Noel (Krista) Ahnemann; grandchildren: Stephanie (Jason) Espersen, Allison (Wade) Thompson, Brandon Kaehr and Katrina (Hayden) Sage, and Becca and Mikinley Ahnemann; great-grandchildren: Ethan, Jacob and Olivia Espersen, Maverick and Courtney Thompson and Ellie Sage; sister Marjorie (Ward) Crago and many nieces, nephews and other loved ones.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Edgar, and her sister, Janet (Dean) Marble.