Because of her faith in Jesus Christ, Marian Markkula entered Heaven early Sunday morning.  Marian was born July 1, 1923, in Billings, MT and grew up in Zion, IL.  On December 7, 1941, she was engaged to Russell Markkula and they were married August 1, 1942 at Ft Benning, GA.                 Russ and Marian forged an adventurous life, living in GA, IL, CA, AZ, CO, WI, IA, and MN.  They moved to Duluth in 1978 when Russ accepted a call to pastor Norton Park Methodist, Riverview Methodist, and Bethany churches.                 Marian was an amazing mother who cared deeply for people.  She loved the Lord and happily served alongside her husband for many years.  She also enjoyed nursing and always furthering her education.                  Marian is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Russell; her brothers Milton and Donald; her sister Florence; her son Bruce; and two granddaughters, Theresa and Denise.                 She is survived by her sister Grace; brother Gerald; sons Russell Jr, Springfield, MO; Samuel, Duluth; and daughter Melissa (Pastor Brian) Wiita, Duluth; and grandson Joshua; five other grandchildren and several great grandchildren.                 A service will be held graveside at Sunrise Memorial Park on Sunday, September 15th at 1:00 PM.  In the event of rain, the service will be held at Faith Baptist Church in Hermantown.