Marian M. Shoemaker

Marian Merhiy Shoemaker was born in Fargo, ND on Sept. 17, 1917 to Hassen and Elizabeth Milker Merhiy. In May of 1922 following the death of their parents, Marian and her four older siblings were sent to the Wild Rice Children’s Home east of Twin Valley, MN. Marian was raised in orphanage care until nearing the age of 16 at which time she went to CA to live with her great-uncle Frank Milker. She held various jobs including employment at a shoe factory and a hospital. On June 23, 1940 she married Albert Shoemaker. They made their home in Los Angeles and later moved to Santa Rosa, CA. In 1943 they adopted a five-day old baby, Robert. They enjoyed fishing, camping, playing cards and dancing. In later years they drove their El Camino with topper around the US. They also took trips to Alaska, Hawaii, and Australia. In 2004 Marian was moved to River Hills, Cambridge, MN to be closer to family. In 2006 she moved to St. Mary’s Lincoln Park Assisted Living, Detroit Lakes, MN. In Dec. 2007 she became a resident of St. Mary’s Oak Crossing Cedar Ridge where she lived at the time of her death. Marian will be remembered for her meticulous organizational skills, her love for adventure, and her care and compassion for family and friends. She will be missed by nieces and nephews, Nancy Harold Ebens, Jane Tim Miller, Dean Cathy Merhiy, Linda Frank Seaberg, Lawrence Merhiy, and Elizabeth Rubio. Marian was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Al; son, Robert; brothers, Joe, Ali, and Smylie; and sister, Evelyn Merhiy.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Essentia Health Chapel, Detroit Lakes, on Wednesday, April 23 at 2:30 p.m.