Marlene M. Pajunen

Marlene Marie Pajunen of Chisholm passed away on August 13th, 2026, at the age of 88, in Fairview Range Hospital with her family at her side.

Marlene was born on December 5th, 1937, in Eveleth, MN, to George and Vienna (Eskelin) Lampinen. She graduated from Eveleth High School in 1956. A couple of years after graduating, she got married and raised a family, later becoming a childcare provider & then working in housekeeping/laundry at Hillcrest Terrace in Chisholm until retirement.

Being with family is what Marlene loved most, but she was always up for a trip to wherever; Alaska, Arizona, Mexico, Canada, and even Wishek in North Dakota. She also had a love of collecting trinkets, shopping (especially at craft shows), the wildlife around her home, and all her dogs, with her last dog and travel buddy, Lexi, holding the most treasured spot in her heart.

Marlene is survived by her children Tim (Todd Vittorio) and Jean (Jack) Pajunen Jarvis; brother Ronald (Ellen Poderzay) Lampinen, Stepsisters Elizabeth and Marlene Maki; grandchildren Dylon-Pajunen Kallsen, Nycholas (Lexi Tolrund) Kallsen, Rylie Kallsen; step-granddaughter Ashley (Spencer Olson) Jarvis; step great grandson Brayden; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmom Annaliisa; brother Gary Lampinen; sisters-in-law Donna Lampinen and Patricia Juola; stepbrother Paul Maki; and nephew Gary (GJ) Lampinen.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, MN. A visitation will be held one hour prior, and Pastor Kevin Olson will officiate the service. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing, MN.