Marlene Graves

Dates

May 27, 1940 - September 9, 2026

Obituary

Marlene Graves, 86, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 15, at Bittner Funeral Chapel, with visitation one hour prior. Burial at Green Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, SD.

Marlene LaVerne (Pownell) Graves was born on May 27, 1940, in Cando, North Dakota. She was the daughter of Lloyd and Marie Pownell. Following the passing of her father when she was ten years old, Marlene moved with her mother and younger brother, Lyle, to Williston, North Dakota, where she graduated from high school in 1958.

After high school, she moved to Albert Lea, where she met William "Bill" Graves at her church. They got married on September 27, 1959. They both attended Lakewood Park Bible School in Devils Lake, ND.

Marlene served in many capacities throughout her life. She worked as a bookkeeper/attendant at Bill's Interstate Mobil Gas Station, bookkeeper for Syncom and the Community Alcohol & Drug Center, school secretary for Mitchell Christian School, and part-time secretary and treasurer for Harvest Community Church. She also worked part-time for Home Instead and spent a year in merged file processing at Commercial Bank (FNBO).

Marlene was an active member of Harvest Community Church in Mitchell, SD, where she served in youth ministry fundraising and participated in the Heart Strings group. Creatively gifted, she enjoyed crafting, ceramics, making baby Afghans, scrapbooking, and arranging silk flowers for weddings.

Marlene is survived by her sons, Ken (Wanda) Graves of Mitchell, SD, and Kent (Laurie) Graves of Kronenwetter, WI; daughter, Karen Gedstad of Mitchell; daughter-in-law, Val Graves of Minnesota and Karen Pownell of Northfield, MN; brothers-in-law, Dick (Audrey) Graves of Mitchell, SD, John (Sarah) Graves of Sioux Falls, SD, Carl (Mary) Graves of Rapid City, SD; along with numerous beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William "Bill" Graves; parents, Lloyd and Marie Pownell; son, Kevin Graves; brother, Lyle Pownell; infant granddaughter, Jennifer Graves; and son-in-law, Jon Gedstad; brother-in-law, Charles Graves.

Visitation(s)

Date
Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location
Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD

Service

Date
Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Time
11:00 AM

Location
Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD

Cemetery

Green Hill Cemetery
Alexandria, SD

Posted by Pat & Dean Miller on September 15, 2026

Karen, Daya, Jacob & Family: Thinking of You All & Sending Prayers in the Loss of Your Mother, Grandma & Great Grandma🙏❣️

Posted by Pamela Moke on September 14, 2026

So sorry for your loss. Marlene was a wonderful lady. I enjoyed being around her. Many hugs and prayers.

Posted by Mary Baxter Schiefen on September 14, 2026

Marlene we would like to extend our sympathy to you and your family.

Posted by Deb Tilton on September 14, 2026

So sorry for your loss, Marlene will be missed.. condolences to her family and friends..

Posted by Deb Tilton on September 14, 2026

So sorry for your loss, Marlene will be missed.. condolences to her family and friends..

Posted by Peggy Pearson on September 14, 2026

I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a wonderful lady. God give you peace in the days ahead.

Posted by Josh and Sonya Parrish on September 13, 2026

Marlene was a wonderful person and was dearly loved. We are thankful to have known her and served along beside her. Thinking of her family at this time.

Posted by Kelly Gross on September 12, 2026

Oh Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how close you and your mom were. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Posted by Tina Suhr on September 12, 2026

Sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.

Posted by Ed and Lorna Peterson on September 11, 2026

Marlene was a true friend, always enjoyed her joining on Young At Heart trips. She loved her family and Savior Jesus. Praying peace and comfort for all her family.

Posted by Kevin hughes on September 11, 2026

Sorry for yourl loss she was a very nice lady she had a good heart

Posted by Elnora (Breck) Jones on September 10, 2026

Marlene, was truly a women of God. Loved having bible study at her home. We became very close over the years.

Posted by Delbert n Marie Peterson on September 10, 2026

What a truly spirit-filled friend. We have so many wonderful, lasting memories to cherish. God bless, comfort n grant His peace to you all!

Posted by Jackie Christiansen on September 10, 2026

My Deepest Condolences to Marlenes family. She was one of a kind. I 1st met her when she and her husband had the gas station out by I 90, back in the 70's. When I started going to church at Harvest, she was ALWAYS THERE. I was great connecting with her again. God is saying "Well done my good and faithful servant. WELL DONE!" Marlene, REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE!

Posted by Jerry Luckett on September 10, 2026

I am so sorry for your loss. Marlene was such a wonderful person. Prayers for everyone in the family.

Posted by Charolette Peterson on September 10, 2026

So sorry for your loss. I got to meet Marlene when she was at Wesley Acres cause that’s where I live and we were such good friends there she was such a sweetheart. sending prayers for you and your family.

Posted by TinaHughed knock on September 10, 2026

Prayers to the family Marlene and my mom work together for years and became best of friends.