Marian Raffelson

Marian Raffelson, 93 of Watson passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the St. Cloud Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 17th at 11:00 am at Watson Lutheran Church. Entombment will be held at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. 

Marian LuElla Raffelson was born March 19, 1931, in rural Stevens County and was the fourth child born to Wallace and Frieda (Nissen) Cary. Marian claimed she was born in a pig pen, but her sister Arlene always said that was not true. She and her family lived in Hancock through the 4th grade for Marian and then the family relocated to Watson. She attended grades 5 through 8 in Watson and grades 9 through 12 in Montevideo where she graduated in 1950 with honors.

On July 15, 1951, Marian married Elmer Raffelson at Salem Lutheran Church in Montevideo. They built a house in Watson and set up housekeeping there. To this marriage two children were born: David in 1955, and Sheila in 1960.During her time living in Watson and as a member of Watson Lutheran Church, Marian was involved in Sunday School, church choir, council treasurer and council secretary. Marian was also involved in Watson Ladies Aid, Watson Improvement Club and a member of the Watson Village Council.

Marian worked during high school in the office at the S&L Store in Montevideo. After high school she worked at the Union State Bank as a bookkeeper, she later worked at the Watson State Bank as a teller. After the birth of her son David, Marian worked at the Post Office in Watson for a short time and then began working for the Archer Daniel Midland Company in Montevideo as a clerk. When Archer Daniel Midland transferred the office from Montevideo to Watertown, South Dakota, Marian transferred there as well and became the office manager. During this time, she lived in Watertown during the week and then came back home to Watson on the weekends. The Olin Corporation later bought out Archer Daniels Midland and Marian retired from the Olin Corporation in 1981.

Marian is survived by her son David (Brenda) Raffelson of Austin, grandchildren: Leni (Ryan) Bell of Austin and Jens Raffelson of Austin; great grandchildren: Lauryn, Kennedy, Ila and Coen; two sisters: Bev Sailer of Watson and Arlene Teigen of Shakopee; and several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Sheila, husband Elmer, brothers Donald, Arlen and Wallace LaVerne and brothers-in-law Donald Teigen and Robert Sailer.

A special thank you to the entire staff at Copper Glen for their wonderful care. Also to the doctors and nurses at CentraCare for their care and comfort.