Albert Frances Maruska, 85, of Bagley, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, in Fosston, MN. Albert was surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and other family members. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16th, at Hope Lutheran Church in Fosston with the Rev. Peter Lurvey officiating. Interment will be in Hope Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Military honors will be provided by the National Guard Honors Team. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Albert was born at home on the Maruska Family Farm just South of Ebro, MN on November 14th, 1940, during the Amistice Day Blizzard. Albert, the son of Raymond and Elsie (Viktora) Maruska had a great passion for fishing (especially ice), hunting, gardening, and anything outdoors, especially watching his birds on their feeders outside his window. Like his brothers, Albert served in the U.S. military (Army) and was a staunch supporter of our military service members and their dedication to protecting our country. Albert was also extremely proud of his children and their lifetime accomplishments and loved being surrounded by his 13 grand/great grandchildren.

On June 29th, 1963, he married the former Darlene Marie Olson of Fosston, MN. and raised their family South of Ebro, MN. Albert had one daughter, Kimberly (Thomas) Keelor, and two sons, Daniel Maruska and Scott (Heidi) Maruska. Albert is survived by his loving wife of 62 years– Darlene Maruska of Bagley, MN; Daughter– Kimberly (Thomas) Keelor of Blackduck, MN; Son – Daniel Maruska of Shevlin, MN; Son – Scott (Heidi) Maruska of Fosston, MN; Brothers – Robert (Ann) Maruska of Bagley, MN; Raymond (Diane) Maruska of Lengby, MN; Bradley (Mary) Maruska of Bagley, MN; Sister-in-Law - Betty (Bill) Scheidegger, Fargo ND; Sister-in-Law – Mary (Ken) Gregerson, Grand Rapids, MN; Brother-in-Law – Richard (Terri) Olson, Thief River Falls, MN; Brother-in-Law – Ray Hedlund, Thief River Falls, MN; Grandchildren – Melanie Keelor, Kristen (Keelor) Parsons, Samantha (Maruska) Easterberg, Alexis Maruska, Hillary Maruska, Hannah Maruska, and Elizabeth Maruska. Great Grandchildren – Joshua Bragg, Brandon Bragg, Elli Parsons, Mia Parsons, Tenley Easterberg, Wyatt Easterberg and Logan Easterberg

Albert had numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends that cherished their “Uncle Albert”.

Albert had several good friends that were there for him and Darlene through the years that included Leo and Kathy Arnold, Dale and Cindy Benson, Laura Woolliscroft, Annette Schultz, and Melissa Schultz-Geray. Albert was preceded in death by his parents – Raymond and Elsie; Brothers – Michael, Melvin Kenneth, Bennett and Sister – Christine Hedlund.