Marlene J. Hollingshead, 71, of Grand Forks, ND passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2020 in Grand Forks.

Marlene Joyce Michels was born April 15, 1949 in Bisbee, ND, the daughter of Elroy and Lucille (Mooney) Michels. Marlene graduated from Bisbee High School in 1967. She moved to Grand Forks, ND, where she completed her Associates Degree from Aakers Business College in 1969. While in Grand Forks, she met and fell in love with Darrel G. Hollingshead (Gerard, TX), while he was stationed at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. They were married in Minneapolis, MN on December 28, 1970, at St. Bridget Catholic Church.

The early years of their marriage were filled with travels and the births of their 4 children. Marlene and their first daughter Tammy, traveled to Aviano AFB, Italy, to join Darrel, where they remained until March 1973. From Italy, the family moved to Cannon AFB, New Mexico, where they welcomed the addition of their second daughter Tracie and remained until June 1974. Their next duty station took them to Anderson AFB, Guam, where they welcomed their son Trent. The family remained on that beautiful island until July 1976, when they returned to their final duty station of Grand Forks AFB, ND. In 1978, they welcomed the birth of daughter Tanya. Grand Forks was home to Marlene and Darrel for the remainder of their lives.

While in Grand Forks, Marlene worked for United Hospital, later becoming Altru Health System, as a Control Center Operator, until her retirement in 2010. Marlene was a kind, generous, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, auntie, cousin, and friend to all who knew her. She didn't have much in the way of material possessions, but what she had she shared freely with anyone in need. She was devoted to family, a rock to lean on during their darkest moments, and their proudest cheerleader during their greatest achievements. Her happiest moments were those shared with family, especially those with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marlene is survived by: 4 children - Tammy (Wayne) Gerszewski of Grand Forks, ND, Tracie (Matt) Lindquist of Dyess AFB, TX, Trent (Jennifer) Hollingshead of Tioga, ND, and Tanya (Kent) Hanson of McGregor, ND; 15 grandchildren - Brenden, Sean, Sophia and Aubrey Gerszewski, Nicholas (Alison) Willard, Corrie-Anne (Cody) Albritton, Zachary and (Gabby) Willard, Trey, Darian, Paige, Rylan and Brenna Hollingshead, Chance Hollingshead, Dacotah and  Bree Hanson; 4 great-grandchildren - Ella Willard, Corbin Albritton, Caden Albritton, and James Willard; 4 sisters,  Louise (Willard) Knudson, Carol Tsang, Theresa Michels, Shirley (Robin) Hanser and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother John and sister-in-law Roberta Michels; brother-in-law Willard Knudson, niece Barbara Westra, and her true love, husband, Darrel Hollingshead.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2020 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND.Services will be streamed live from St. Michael's Church. https://www.stmichaelschurchgf.com/live-stream
Visitation: Will be held one hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Friday.
Burial: Will immediately follow the funeral and will be held at Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.

At the conclusion of services, family is invited to enjoy lunch and fellowship at the home of Tammy and Wayne Gerszewski: 773 Barley Ct. Grand Forks.