Marilyn LaRee (McKay) Ludens

Marilyn LaRee (McKay) Ludens, age 93, was called to her eternal home December 28, 2025, from her own home in Harmony, Minn.  Although unexpected, it was an event she had lived for all her life and to hear the words found in Matthew 25:21, “Well done good and faithful servant … Enter into the joy of your master!”

Marilyn was born to Harry and Hilda (Peterson) McKay May 15, 1932, in Amherst Township, Fillmore County, Minn. She and her twin sister Marjorie were the last two of their seven children. Marilyn attended O’Hara Country School and graduated valedictorian from Harmony High School in 1950. On September 30 of that same year, she married Louis (Louie) Ludens in Greenleafton, Minn.  They were dairy farmers and together they built their lives and raised their family in the Greenleafton area where they also attended church and made lifelong friends. In 1992 they sold the farm and their dairy herd, retired and moved to Harmony where they lived together until Louie’s passing June 1, 2008.

Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor who always took time for others and sought opportunities to be of service to them and the community she was a part of. She visited others regularly and assisted them in their homes, lended a listening ear and often gifted them with a home-cooked meal. She continued into her late 80’s and then enjoyed assistance from her family, neighbor Arlene “Beth” Helgeson, Home Care Nurse Rachel Rislove and those that delivered Meals on Wheels. Collectively they enabled her to continue living independently in her own home until passing peacefully.

Marilyn is survived by her two daughters, Janice (Ronald) Sjoberg of Queen Creek, Ariz., and Janell Ludens of Cresco, Iowa; her son James (Gail) Ludens of St. Charles, Minn.; her son-in-law Dennis (Nancy) Beldner of St. Louis, Mo.; her twin sister Marjorie (Adrian) Johnson of Silver Bay, Minn.; seven grandchildren and one step-grandson, and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Louie, a daughter, Judy Beldner; two grandchildren, Brent and Hope Beldner; her parents Harry and Hilda, and siblings Chester, Phyllis, Frances, Donna and Harriet.  

Marilyn will always be remembered for her unwavering faith and kindness, joyful spirit and radiant smile, selfless service to others, and her love for God’s Word.

The memory of Marilyn will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to have known her.  

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Schmelzer Funeral Home (formerly Lindstrom) in Harmony. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home.  Burial will take place in the Greenleafton Cemetery. Schmelzer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.