Marian Agnes (Petersen) Furey, resident of Willow River, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 10 ^th , 2019 at the age of 87.

She was born in New London, MN on November 15 ^th , 1932 to Jacob and Birdie (Schoumaker) Petersen. In 1947, her family moved to a farm in Willow River across the road from the Furey Farm. Marian attended school in Willow River and married her true love, Joseph Furey, at the age of 17 on September 2 ^nd , 1950, in Sacred Heart Church of Bruno. She and Joe made an exceptionally hard-working and generous team. Together, they raised a family of 10 strong and successful children as well as several foster children. They were devoted members of their church and active members of the community, 4-H, and Pine Creek Saddle Club.

They produced some of the most delicious sweet corn, strawberries, potatoes, and tomatoes -  organic and farm-to-table producers before their time. Marian managed much of the farm and home affairs while Joe worked in Duluth. She was truly a hardworking, determined, and self-reliant woman, a strong and supportive teammate to her husband, a firm disciplinarian, giver of wisdom, and example of living well to her children, and a wonderful example of selflessness, hospitality, and generosity to all.

In addition to her work on the farm, she was also known for her baking. For many years, she was a baker of Tobies' famous cinnamon rolls in Hinckley. She also devoted countless hours volunteering for Meals on Wheels after she retired as cook and manager at Willow River Senior Dining.

Marian was a beautiful girl with the most expressive eyes. One "look" could turn fire to stone and her smile melted hearts and lit up every room. She had a silly side that wasn't afraid to wear funny hats or make faces for pictures. She had a witty sense of humor, laughing with others, telling jokes, and giving people a good-natured hard time. Her happy place was in a little fishing boat on a quiet lake. She loved to create, with a repertoire of Bob Ross paintings and beautiful color pages even in her late 80's. Her welcoming smile, kindness, listening ear, and wise advice won her many friends in Willow River, Bruno, and even in Moose Lake, at Hillside Apartments.

Marian was a woman of faith, and always kept the Lord as the center of her life. Even in the weeks before she passed, she could be heard praying for her children and others. She devoted her life to serving others, both in her community and her home. She always had ice cream in the freezer, cookies in the ice cream bucket on the table, and a conversation to share. Her hospitality was endless, always making her visitors feel right at home. Her children and grandchildren were welcome to stay as long as they needed. Even when she went out to a celebration or special event, she always brought a pan of her famous cereal bars. Yes, her hospitality and generosity truly were endless. She was a strong and amazing woman, and she will be missed dearly.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe; parents, Jake and Birdie Petersen; son, Tony Furey; and grandson, Richard DesMarais.

Her memory will be cherished by her children: Connie (Blase) DesMarais, Dan Furey, Ron (Marsha) Furey, Dave (Jennifer) Furey, Rosie (Randy) Christensen, Lori (Doug) Lind, Becky (Shannon) Thomas, LeAnne (Terry) Wright, and Landa (Jesse) Zimmer; 26 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; brothers, Kenny (Marlys) Petersen, Phil (Sally) Petersen, and Denny (Mary Jo) Petersen; sister, Janice (the late, Jerry) Matthews; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 13 ^th , 2019 from 4-7pm in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake. Visitation will continue on Saturday, December 14 ^th , 2019 from 1pm until the 2pm celebration of Marian's life at Moose Lake Covenant Church. Pastor Barry Anthony will officiate.