Marilyn Rodning

Visitation Sunday, September 29, 2019 from 3:00 p.m-6:00 p.m.  Funeral services Monday, September 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.  Both events at Norseland Lutheran Church, 37777 State Highway 22, Saint Peter, MN  56082. Donations are preferred to the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance. www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com.

Marilyn Janet Wise Rodning was born on March 28, 1931 in Lake City, MN.  She was the oldest daughter of Gerald and Ruby Wise.  Marilyn died peacefully from natural causes on September 25, 2019 in Golden Valley, MN at the age of 88. 

Marilyn lived most of her life on her family farm in New Sweden, MN.  Marilyn loved the farm life where she and her husband Warren raised their five children.  Marilyn was known to be incredibly kind and considerate to others.  She was a loving person who consistently reached out to help those in need.  Marilyn was a true partner with Warren in creating a farm enterprise that was successful and able to support a family.  Marilyn was a loving and supportive wife to her husband Warren.  Warren and Marilyn married on September 17, 1950.  When Warren died on July 19, 2009, he and Marilyn were approaching 59 years of marriage.  Their union was blessed with five children:  Kenneth (Marcia), Karen, Kathryn, Daniel (Nancy), and Janet (Kyle); five grandchildren: Angela (Brandon), Michael (Alyssa), Amanda (Ben), Christine (Bill), and Andrew (Jennifer).  Nine great grandchildren: Miguel, David, Cash, Hattie, Ruby, Crosby, Ansel, Oscar and Hazel. She will be missed by countless numbers of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, special extended family and friends.

Marilyn was baptized, confirmed and married at Scandian Grove Lutheran Church in Norseland. After her marriage to Warren she became a member of the Norseland Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Marilyn’s life centered around her family and her connection to the Norseland, New Sweden, Nicollet, St. Peter and Gaylord communities.  Marilyn embraced the lifestyle of watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports, music, theatre, and other school and community events.  Marilyn loved family gatherings and holidays.  She hosted and planned an annual Christmas celebration and meal, family reunions, graduations, confirmations, birthdays, and yes, funerals.

Marilyn was a lifelong fan of card games.  She was an active member of the local Women’s Card Club. In Marilyn’s later years, she discovered technology.  Her iPad was her constant companion. She kept in touch with relatives and friends on Facebook and Instagram.  She was a big fan of the interactive game Words with Friends.  Marilyn enjoyed travel, including many family trips to Colorado for skiing and to Phoenix to visit her daughter Kathy and her family.  Warren and Marilyn visited Norway and Sweden and were able to trace their family history. Recently Marilyn accompanied other family members on a very memorable trip to New York City.  Marilyn was able to see the same Macy’s store where she first visited as an 18 year old high school student.

Marilyn loved clouds and sunsets. She could see magic in cloud formations. The old house on the farm faced due west, and watching the sun set from her house on the farm is beyond spectacular.

Marilyn will be missed by her family, her friends and the larger community of life, of which she was a treasured and active participant. 

Marilyn’s death has caused the world to be one star darker. Miraculously, in her life, she created a thousand brighter stars to take her place.  She will be missed, but never forgotten.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her sister Marjorie, her half-sister Jean, and her parents Ruby and Gerald.  She is survived by Brothers Robert and Neil and their families.