Celebrating the Life of Marlene Joyce Schiburr

August 2, 1936 – August 30, 2025

Marlene Joyce Schiburr left this world peacefully on August 30, 2025, with her family’s love surrounding her. Born on August 2, 1936, Marlene was the daughter of Henry Carlson and Ruth Carlson, who later married Peter Jula. Marlene lived her 89 years with laughter, warmth, and a twinkle in her eye that never faded.

Marlene’s life was blessed with love in many forms. She first married George Stoyanoff, and together they had two daughters, Debbie (Daryl) Ketner and Gigi (Jerry) Toman, who were the joy of her life. Later, she found love again with Richard (Dick) Shiburr, sharing years filled with laughter, companionship, and cherished memories.

From the very beginning, Marlene had a playful heart. As a little girl, she could be found skipping rope, playing hopscotch, or hiding in a game of hide-and-seek. She loved checkers, Old Maid, and playing house or school—always in the role of the “nun teacher.” She often told stories of sitting on Grandma Brown’s lap, listening to scary radio mysteries like "Fat Man", and of the Lady Baltimore birthday cakes her mother, Ruth, baked every year with rich caramel frosting—a sweet tradition that made birthdays magical.

Marlene was born to dance. Whether it was Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, Diana Ross, or any song with a beat, she was always ready for the dance floor, her joy lighting up every step. She carried that same sparkle into her daily life—through her “Lucille Ball” antics that kept everyone laughing, her love of cards (Smear, Gin Rummy, and 31), and her creativity in painting ceramics or painting a heavenly mural of floating clouds on the ceiling. No obstacle was too daunting as long as she had a step stool and the will (and the twinkle) to get it done.

She was also a natural saleswoman, with a gift for connecting with people and sharing her enthusiasm. Over the years, Marlene sold Avon, Chez wigs and hats, and Luzier cosmetics. Later, she worked more than 12 years as a receptionist at Clyde Company in Duluth, followed by over 20 years at St. Mary’s Essentia Hospital. Wherever she worked, her charm, warmth, and humor made her unforgettable.

Marlene never lost her faith, despite the hardships of her life. Her belief in our Lord and Savior was woven into everything she did. She sang in praise, prayed, and shared the Word with all she met, letting her light shine for others. We take comfort in knowing that she is now in heaven, dancing in high heels, free of pain, and reunited with loved ones who went before her.

Marlene was a proud mother, a cherished grandmother to Nick, Brett, Casey, Lance, Zach, Emily, and Jake, and a loving great-grandmother. Her family and friends will always remember her laughter, her ability to turn ordinary moments into adventures, and the joy she brought to every room she entered. Even after a stroke left her unable to communicate fully, she could still tell everyone “I love you,” answer a question with “Well?!” and “Oh my God!” and laugh that delightful Santa-like laugh (Ho! Ho! Ho!).  

In her later years at St. Ann’s, she found joy sitting by the birdcage, laughing at the antics of the birds—proof that she could always find delight in life’s simplest moments. Her family extends heartfelt love and gratitude to all at St. Ann’s Residence for the love, care, and comfort they brought to Marlene over the last 20+ years. They became her family, and in the last 18 days, sitting by her bedside, it was evident how much she was cherished. Special thanks also to Essentia Hospice for the care and advocacy provided to our mom in her final days.

A Celebration of Marlene’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 2:00 – 5:30 p.m. at Hank’s Sports Bar & Grill, Scanlon, Duluth. Please join us to share stories, laughter, and memories of Marlene’s “Lucille Ball” moments, and to celebrate this remarkable woman whose dancing spirit, humor, and love will live on in all who knew her.

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