Marni Heinle

Marni Jo Heinle, 46, passed away at home on February 7, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones in Bismarck, ND, after enduring a tough battle from liver and kidney failure.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, Feb. 18, at McCabe United Methodist Church,1030 N 6th St, Bismarck. A service livestream will be available on the church’s website: http://www.mccabechurch.com/livestream 

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Monday, Feb. 17, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 PM.

Burial will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Marni was born on April 29, 1978, in Fargo, ND to Gerry and Kathy Heinle. Marni grew up in Bismarck where she graduated from Century High School in 1996. Marni went on to attend North Dakota State University, where she received a degree in Mass Communications in May 2001. While attending NDSU, Marni was in Kappa Delta Sorority.

Marni enlisted into the North Dakota Army National Guard on May 23, 1996. Marni proudly dedicated twenty years of service as part of the 188th Army Band. During her service, Marni held various roles, to include Unit Public Affairs Representative before retiring in May 2016. Her commitment was recognized with numerous honors, to include (but not limited to) the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon.

In January of 2002, Marni moved to Boulder, CO where she worked in sales, and the hospitality and service industry. Marni loved living in Colorado and all of the adventures and friendships she made. It was during this time that Marni met and was married to Andy Valbert on March 7, 2008 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and later divorced, upon which time she moved to Rogers, MN. Beginning late 2012, to early 2014, Marni lived seasonally in the US Virgin Islands. Upon moving back from the Virgin Islands, Marni lived between Bismarck, Detroit Lakes and Minneapolis.

Marni had a gift for bringing joy and laughter to those around her, She loved to cook, and entertaining for others. She was always finding ways to make gatherings special. Crafting and creating thoughtful gifts were among her many talents. 

Marni had a kind and generous heart. She had an adventurous spirit and a zest for life, mixed with some rowdiness. She illuminated every space and was someone you remembered and made an impact anytime she was near. She loved the outdoors, whether it was snowboarding, water skiing, hunting with her dad or lying on the beach.

Marni loved spending time with family and friends. She had a strong love for her nieces and nephews. The family cabin on Lake Sallie was one of her favorite places, where she could be found spending her free time outside—basking in the sun, playing bags or taking pontoon rides. Marni loved to admire the view of the sunsets and enjoyed sitting around the campfire listening to music. Her cat Roxy, had a special place in her heart. She was a great cat mom.

Marni and her mom had become very close over the past few years in which they spent much time together. They loved watching Wheel of Fortune, playing mahjong, watching different TV series and eating delicious meals Marni would often make. A mom's love for her daughter is special and this was evident with the never ending support Kathy showed Marni in so many different ways. 

Marni will be deeply missed by her mom, Kathy; two sisters, Rachel (Mark) Otterness, and Melissa (Ryan) Struck; and six nieces and nephews, Kendra, Mikayla, Payton, Kaden, Kristian and Hadley. Marni was preceded in death by her father, Gerry. May she now bask in serene bliss on the beach, next to her dad! 

Memorials may be directed to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan or Caring Edge of Bismarck.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Caring Edge of Bismarck and the Sanford Medical team.