LODI - Marian E. Buchanan, age 96, passed away on January 14, 2026, at the Montello Care Center.

She was born on September 18, 1929, in Lodi, the daughter of Mary (Juris) and Victor Ligneel.

Marian married Forrest “Frosty” Buchanan on December 20, 1945, in Newton, IA where they were living at the time. Four years after their marriage, Marian and Frosty moved back to Lodi and farmed on his parents’ farm for 50 years. They enjoyed dancing, playing euchre and traveling overseas a few times.

Marian was very active in her church, St. Patrick Catholic Church, helping with the annual dinner and funeral luncheons among other activities. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1958 and a 4-H leader teaching cooking and sewing to club members.

Marian worked and volunteered at the Lodi Good Samaritan Society, a skilled nursing facility. She was an accomplished seamstress making many quilts for family and friends and a few to be raffled at local fundraising events.

Along with a couple of her friends, Marian started a weekly sewing club named “Stitch and Chat”. For a number of years, she would get together weekly with her sewing group, which was a treasured time with friends. Her family always appreciated her great cooking, especially homemade bread and pies. Marian particularly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Marian is survived by her children, Gary Buchanan, Andy (Ina) Buchanan, Nancy (David) DeSecki, Reage (Sheryl) Buchanan and Zeta Henke (George Booher); grandchildren, Pat (Tonya) Buchanan, Jamie (Tanya) Buchanan, Troy Buchanan, Tyler Buchanan, Collin Buchanan, Travis Henke (Alisha) and Jessica (Jarrad) Jungenburg; four great-grandchildren and is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son-in-law, Donald Henke; daughter-in-law, Lois Buchanan; five sisters and one brother; and her adored companion dog, Little Girl.

To hear Marian’s life story in her own voice, you can access by podcast at <https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11JsDUc1n0iI77GtvOwvf1k6_sReG6kuu?usp=sharing>

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE PARISH AT ST. PATRICK CHURCH, 521 Fair Street, Lodi at 11:00 am on Friday, January 30, 2026, with Father Anthony Kersting presiding. Burial will take place on a later date at the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 9:30 am until the time of the Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Patrick Church, Lodi or the American Legion Auxiliary, Lodi.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Marian Buchanan

September 18, 1929 - January 14, 2026

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