Marilyn Martinson

Mary Marilyn Martinson, age 90, of Parkers Prairie, passed away surrounded by family Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at St. William’s Living Center in Parkers Prairie.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 27, 2018, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with Pastor Rachel Stout officiating. Music is provided by organist, Pam Wenzel and soloist, Dedra Zwieg. Burial will be at Elmo Lutheran Cemetery, Elmo Township.

Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Friday, October 26, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie and will continue one hour prior to the service.

Marilyn was born on October 21, 1928, to George and Elizabeth (Wynne) Wickert in Weehawken, New Jersey. She was baptized on November 11, 1928 and confirmed at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Weehawken. Marilyn attended Catholic School in Weehawken through the eighth grade. Following her education she worked at American Can, Tootsie Roll Industries, and held other various jobs. Marilyn met the love of her life Donald Martinson at a local Pizza Parlor while he was at port in New Jersey when he was in the Merchant Marines. They were united in marriage on September 11, 1947, in Baltimore, Maryland. Following their marriage they temporarily moved to Hibbing, MN while Don worked on the Iron Range. Marilyn and Donald then moved to the Martinson Family Farm near Parkers Prairie in December of 1947. Marilyn became a housewife and mother as she raised her 11 children. In 1972, she started as a home health care aid and did training for her certified nursing assistant (CNA) certificate in Clarissa. Marilyn started working as a CNA at St. William’s Living Center in Parkers Prairie in 1976, and continued to work there for 19 years. Following her retirement, she worked part time at the Parkers Prairie Elementary School Library until she turned 80. She returned to St. William’s Living Center to volunteer until she was 82. Marilyn moved into St. William’s Living Center in May of 2013, where she was cared for until her death. She enjoyed reading, visiting the farm and picking up her friends for coffee at the Cozy Cup. Marilyn especially loved taking care of her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sons, Donald Jr. and Brian; stillborn infant; grandson, Jeffrey Supper; three brothers, Alvin, Warren, and Raymond; daughter-in-law, Colleen Marie Martinson; and son-in-law, Warren Bates.

Marilyn is survived by her nine children, Marilyn (Joe) Supper of Bloomington; Martin Martinson of Minneapolis, Eric Martinson of Las Vegas, Nevada, Linda Bates of Parkers Prairie, Paul (Rosemary) Martinson of Corcoran, California, Katy (Jeff Jammerthal) Martinson and Sandy (Charles) Newberg both of Parkers Prairie, Gary Martinson of Alexandria, and Steve (Christine) Martinson of Parkers Prairie; 15 grandchildren, John (Susie) Supper, Steven Supper, Michael Supper, Christopher Woodwick (Brenda) Martinson, Brian (Shannon) Bates, Julia (Tyler) Goettl, Charlie Bates, Julian Martinson, Hailey Jammerthal, Kalie Jammerthal, Kendra (Josh) Koep, Justin (Sam) Newberg, Josh (fiancée, Sayde) Martinson, Jarret (special friend, Brooklyn) Martinson, and Rachel (special friend, John) Martinson; 12 great-grandchildren, Ryan and Savannah Supper, Mason Woodwick, Evelyn Bates, Abram, Thea and Edison Goettl, Zak, Nevaeh, and Harper Koep, and Josie and Lydin Newberg; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are her grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are her granddaughters and great-grandchildren.