Viking saddened by passing of former mayor Marlene Grandinetti

Residents of Viking and area were shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of former Viking Mayor Marlene Grandinetti on Nov. 12.

In memory of Marlene, The Weekly Review asked those who worked alongside her about her time and accomplishments as mayor.

Marlene and her husband Howard moved to Viking, as a retirement community, in 2006. Just four short years later in 2010 when the time came for Viking to elect a new mayor, she threw her hat into the ring.

Marlene was running against two long-time residents of Viking, Cindy Lefsrud, who was the current mayor, and Ellen Lefsrud, who was a member of council. She managed to win the election with 262 votes out of the 508 that were cast, becoming Viking’s second female mayor.

In a 2010 interview with The Weekly Review, Marlene acknowledged that she was new to the community, but stated this could be an advantage … FOR MORE SEE THE NOV 22/16 WEEKLY REVIEW