Marian Pladson honored for years as organist

Marian Pladson honored for years as organist

News | Published on September 21, 2026 at 12:47pm CDT

Marian (Swenson) Pladson began her organ playing career at Barsness Lutheran Church when her mother told her, if you play organ at church, I’ll buy you a new dress. That was early 70 years ago. At this point, Marian was playing part-time with a couple of others. She started playing full-time at Barsness the week after she and Frank Pladson were married.

Marian was born to Gerhard and Cora Swenson, the middle of three children. She started her musical career at a very young age with Mrs. Anderson who lived close to where she grew up.

During her career, Marian has played the organ at approximately 244 funerals, 73 weddings and 49 confirmations. She had a ringside seat for these events. This would be a total of 366 events. Including church services, she has played at 3,746 events. Considering she used the foot pedals, she has “traveled” 7,280 miles. This would take her to Florida! Add in travel to and from church, she or Frank have driven 18,730 miles. This would take them to the Indian Ocean south of Australia.

Marian was honored for her 65 years of service with a plaque at the Sept. 20...