Marlin Rudy Behne, 81, of Owatonna, died on Monday, June 1, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born February 27, 1945, in Blooming Prairie, the son of Herman and Mabel (Meyer) Behne. Marlin grew up on the farm and was one of six children. Growing up, he learned how to work hard for what he wanted. He met his wife, Karen, and it was love at first sight. He would always spoil her with tater tots from A & W on their dates together. They were united in marriage on November 4, 1967, at Holy Trinity Church in Litomysl. They were blessed with a daughter, Lisa. Marlin worked at Wenger for 45 years as a material handler and retired in 2012.

In his free time, he enjoyed all outdoor activities, whether that was hunting, fishing, and trapping, sitting on his three seasons porch smoking a pipe, tending to his sheep, feeding the birds and squirrels, or reading the outdoor news. He also loved to plant in the garden and keep his lawn in impeccable shape. He had a 57' Chevy that was his pride and joy in his younger years, being one of his first cars.

When he wasn't outdoors, he would cheer on the Vikings and go to his grandchildren’s sporting events. Marlin was proud of his family and loved to spend time with them. Marlin was also the kind of person who would constantly talk to people he knew and complete strangers at the store or out in public.

He is survived by his wife, Karen of Owatonna; daughter, Lisa Olson of Shafer; siblings, Beverly Hammann of Knoxville, IA, Janice Schuster of Kenyon, Les Behne of Albert Lea, Joyce (Richard) Johnson of Claremont, and Jerry (Kathy) Behne of Eagan; grandchildren, Makayla (Fiance Kyle) Vogelsberg, Mitchell Olson, Maddox Olson, and Makenna Olson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Mabel.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 11 am at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Litomysl.

Thanks to St. Mary's Hospital and Mayo Hospice for the wonderful care.