Marilyn was born and raised in St. Paul. Her mother, Bernice, began working as a nanny at age 16 and lived in a house on Summit Avenue. She was the hardest working woman Marilyn ever knew—cooking every meal from scratch, baking, canning, and never once serving store-bought cookies. Her father, Bernard, immigrated from Germany at 19 and worked at Hamm’s Brewery for 50 years. Marilyn was the middle of three siblings, with an older sister, Beverly, and a younger brother, Robert. They were very close growing up, but both siblings have passed.
Marilyn attended Harding High School and worked various jobs after graduation, including at a candy-making company, Montgomery Ward, and Brown & Bigelow in clerical roles. She also worked as a switchboard operator and receptionist for Snyder’s drugstores, enjoying the friendships she made along the way.
She met her husband, Bill, when she was in seventh grade and he was in sixth. They grew up only two blocks apart. After Bill lost a leg in an accident, he still drove and courted Marilyn. They married in 1956 when she was 22. Together they raised their daughter, Karen, and son, Bill Jr., taking family trips to the Wisconsin Dells and Duluth. Marilyn also loved her weekly outings with her Mom—especially Wednesday shopping trips, often just for window-shopping, but always filled with laughter and connection.
Her best friend, Mary, whom she met in high school, remained close until Mary’s passing at 48. Marilyn describes herself as someone who values down-to-earth companionship—someone who doesn’t put on airs. She misses the days when her home and her friendships were lively and full.
Marilyn and Bill were married until his passing in 2004, on their anniversary. She remembers him as a good man who got along famously with her father and the grandchildren. Today, Marilyn lives alone and is hard of hearing, so her Visiting Companion must be prepared to speak up. She enjoys swapping life stories, reminiscing, and connecting with someone who understands the value of genuine friendship. She is not up to walking long distances these days.
