Marlene  Wisland

Marlene  Wisland, 92, of Canton, Minn., died Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Green Lea Senior Living in Mabel. 

Marlene was born June 8, 1933, in Canton to Mildred Sorenson.  She grew up in Canton where she was the valedictorian of the Canton High School class of 1951. In 1956 she married Russell Wilder. They farmed in the Frankville, Iowa, area for a short time before moving to the Sorenson family farm in Canton. They would later divorce. Marlene moved into Canton and in 1979 married Flavian Wisland. She had worked at different businesses, including the Canton State Bank and later at Nelson Electric in Mabel with her brothers Jerry and Curt.

Marlene was a lifetime member of the Henrytown Lutheran Church and the Mabel American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed visiting, going to lunch with the “Lunch Bunch,” crossword puzzles, quilting, dancing, attending local sporting events, the history of Canton and the Canton School, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marlene is survived by her children Mike (Brenda) Wilder and Linda Wilder, both of Canton, and Steve (Beth) Wilder of San Diego, Calif.; daughter-in-law Diane Wilder of Mabel, stepson Scott Wisland, grandchildren Eric (Katie) Wilder, Bethany (Nick) Moen, Nicole (Tyler) Jensen, Adam (Heather) Wilder and Lucas Wilder; great-grandchildren Brent (Crystal) Erickson, Danielle Paul, Dawson (Olivia Spitzer) Wilder, Logan (Tori Raaen) Wilder, Tysen Moen, Kenley Jensen, Ryland Moen, Graysen Wilder, Easton Wilder, Madelyn Jensen, Harper Wilder, Tyten Wilder, Emmalynn Jensen and Rowyn Wilder; great-great-grandchildren Zayah, Solomon and Solielle; a sister, Janet Tripp of Mantorville, Minn.; a half-brother, Rob Severson; and nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Flavian Wisland, mother Mildred, grandparents Anna and Ole Sorenson, a son, David Wilder; brothers Jerry Nelson and Curtis Nelson; sister-in-law Susan Nelson, and aunts and uncles who were like brothers and sisters – Stanley, Ole, Norris, Doris and Marlys; and great-grandson Triston Wilder.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 29, at the Henrytown Lutheran Church in rural Harmony, Minn., with Rev. Anders Nelson officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9–11 a.m., Wednesday, prior to the service at the church. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.