(Written by Margie in 2013)

Marjorie Lois Durby was born on December 31, 1920, to Levi and Mabel Durby in Woden, Iowa, the oldest of three sisters. She was baptized at Grant Lutheran Church by Pastor J.O. Gisselquist. It was during special evangelistic meeting by Pastor Gisselquist at Rake, Iowa at about the age of 12 that she made a conscious decision to love and walk with Jesus. John 1:12 gave her assurance of salvation, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to be called the children of God.” After graduating from Buffalo Center High School, she worked in Minneapolis, where she met Henrick.

On April 20, 1939, she was married at Rake, Iowa to Henrick Erickson of Clear Lake, Iowa. God blessed their happy home with three children, Claire, Luther and Lois. The first eight years of their married life, they lived in Mason City, IA, Denver, CO and Minneapolis, MN. Both Henrick and Marjorie sensed the strong call of God to be missionaries in Bolivia under World Mission Prayer League. Their application to WMPL was accepted on December 11, 1947, and on their ninth wedding anniversary, April 20, 1948, they left for Bolivia, venturing forth with the full assurance that they were in the center of God’s will.

During their 29 years in Bolivia, Henrick and Marjorie served in various capacities, using their God-given talents. These included caring for the orphanage on Coaba Farm, being host and hostess at the Mission Home in La Paz, teaching at the Bible Institute, doing medical work, etc. They knew they were in Bolivia because God had called them and those were happy years.

In 1977, they returned to the States because of Henrick’s failing health and settled in South Minneapolis in the home on 41 st Avenue, which God had marvelously provided for them. Marjorie was invited to do secretarial work at the home office of World Mission Prayer League, which she did for 6 wonderful years, before retiring and completing 35 years of active service at WMPL

Following her retirement, she did volunteer work at WMPL, at the Hennepin County Women’s Work House for 19 years, and at the International Christian Literature Distributors (ICLD) for 22 years. Besides enjoying having guests in their home and visitation of people in nursing homes, she had a ministry of letter writing, especially to missionaries and others needing encouragement. She also used her computer and email for corresponding with friends and missionaries around the world.

In 2006, at the age of 85, she self-published her book, “It Was The Lord!” (Stories from the Heart of Bolivia), which testified of God’s great faithfulness to them during those many years in Bolivia and retirement. Her book brought blessings and challenges to many readers. Her deep desire was to glorify the Lord Jesus! Truly, “It Was The Lord!” through her whole life.

In 2008 a new ministry opened at The Friendship Home in Roseville, where she went every two weeks to have devotions with the ladies there. It was her special wish that if she ever needed to move from her beloved Nokomis Square condo, that she could live at Friendship Home. We are so thankful for that wish came true as she was so well cared for by the lovely people there during all of the Covid lockdowns.

During the last few years, she continued to live her life with a positive attitude and good example. She loved reading her Bible and cards from friends and relatives. She was thankful every single day and often listed many of the things she was thankful for. Daily quotes were often something like, “Today I am thankful for my warm bed, my comfortable rocking chair, the good care at Friendship Home, being able to watch the sunset, yummy meals, my walker, nightly calls with my family, and for my Bible.” She inspired a lot of people with her thankfulness and big smiles until the end.

Margie’s motto/plaque in her bedroom, as long as we can remember, said, “Only one life ‘Twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” Now, we say, “Well done, Good and Faithful Servant! Well done!”

Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, Henrick, a son, Claire, her daughter, Lois, her parents; two sisters and a baby brother.

Marjorie’s funeral will be April 20, 2023, on what would have been their 84th wedding anniversary.

Funeral Service 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 20, 2023 with visitation one hour before at Trinity Lutheran Church of Minnehaha Falls, 5212 41st Ave. So., Mpls.  Funeral luncheon to follow at 12 Noon.  Interment East Lutheran Cemetery, Rake , IA.