Marilyn Barge

Marilyn Jean Barge, 77, of Fargo, ND, died Sunday, October 11, 2009, at MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, ND. Marilyn Jean Laingen was born March 23, 1932, in St. James, Minnesota, to Melvin “Scoop” and Emily (Clausen) Laingen. She grew up in Odin, Minnesota, where she attended grade school and attended high school in St. James, Minnesota. She earned a two year elementary teaching degree from Mankato State. In 1977, she finished her four year degree at Moorhead State. On July 12, 1952, she married Derald Barge. They lived in St. James until 1955. They moved to Willmar, Minnesota, in 1955 and lived there until 1968 with their three children, Deb, Mike and Dave, who have been so special in her life with her two grandsons, Danny and Matt. The family moved to Fargo in 1968. She was a substitute teacher in the Fargo school system for 29 years, mainly at Agassiz Jr. High. She also coached the Fargo South Girl’s Golf Team from 1975 – 1985, having four state championships. She was named “girl’s” golf coach of the year in 1977. Marilyn was very active in golf activities serving on various golf committees. She won the Women’s All City in 1975 and won the North Dakota State Women’s Senior Golf Tournament three times in 1987, 1989 and 1990. She was also inducted into the North Dakota Golf Hall of Fame in 1986. She has also been on the United States Golf Association Girl’s Junior Committee since 1987, and always had a strong interest in promoting and encouraging junior girl’s golf. Watching and following Mike and Dave’s accomplishments in golf, was always a highlight. When she was asked to help start a women’s golf program at North Dakota State University, she was pleased. She coached from 1996 to 2000 and always remained interested in their progress. She and husband, Derald, started a golf endowment fund at NDSU some years ago. She and Derald helped every summer with the junior boys and girls golf program at the Fargo Country Club. She is survived by her husband, Derald, Fargo, ND; one daughter, Deb Bakko, Fargo, ND; sons, Mike Barge, Minneapolis, MN; David Barge, Fargo, ND; two grandsons, Danny (Shannon) Stephney and Matt Bakko, Fargo, ND; sister, Barb (Lynn) Walker, Midland, MI; brother-in-law, Gene Barge, Minneapolis, MN; a niece and four nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to go to Marilyn and Derald Barge NDSU Golf Endowment Fund. Memorial Service: Thursday, October 15, 2009, at 10:30 AM, at Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND.