Marilyn Groff, age 86, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at her home in Marshall. Funeral Services are 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Marshall, Minnesota. Interment will follow in the Marshall Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Visitation will continue Wednesday, July 21, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m., at the church.
Marilyn Eileen Castle was born September 28, 1934, in Clifton Township in Lyon County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Maurice and Edith (Buss) Castle. Her faith life was rooted at Wesley United Methodist Church in Marshall with her baptism. Marilyn loved growing up on their family farm and helping with outside chores, especially the animals. After graduating salutatorian from Marshall High School in 1952, she was united in marriage to Richard “Richie” Groff on February 10, 1954, at Wesley United Methodist Church and they were blessed with five children. They farmed together until Richie passed away in June 1968. Marilyn was employed by Schwan’s Sales for over 35 years and was incredibly grateful for the years of service to support her family. Merv Gilbertson became her “second mate” and life companion for 40 years until his death in June 2010. Marilyn filled her life with lots of smiles, laughter, fun, and love with her family and friends whenever possible. She was always willing to share in a good time … family gatherings, happy hour with friends, cards/game playing, bowling/Rolle Bolle, clowning/parades, and being a fan at her children’s and grandchildren’s events. She enjoyed making family holidays special in so many memorable ways, baking and cooking to share with others, being there to help others when needed, the love of outdoors in her flower garden and feeding birds, and caring for her African Violets. Marilyn also created personalized cards, enjoyed music and dancing, embroidery, sewing, reading, and spoiling different pets through the years. But she especially cherished spending and enjoying time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Marilyn was an amazing and devoted mother and grandmother! Even though she lost her husband and son at a young age, she was truly a role model of focusing on the positive, being grateful, and making the most of life. She taught family and friends that life is not about things … it’s about learning how to love! Marilyn participated for 20 years as a team member at the Lyon County Relay for Life and was also a member of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary for many years supporting various area fund raising events. After retiring from Schwan’s, Marilyn enjoyed assisting her son, Randy, and his wife, Patty, for over 15 years at their Ameriprise Financial office.
Marilyn is survived and will be missed by her children, Robin (Stan) Stelter of Lynd, Randy (Patty) Groff of Cottonwood, Roxie (Randy) Serreyn of Marshall, Rolly (Chuck) Muller of Marshall; daughter-in-law, Renee Wyffels of South Haven; grandchildren, Richard (Lisa) Stelter, Geoffrey (Tricia) Stelter, Kristi (Jared) Steen, Colin (Holly) Stelter, Curtis (Darian) Rykhus, Trisha (Walker) Schaar, Cody (Tristin) Rykhus, Tristen Groff, Melissa (Paul) Younger, Ryan (Angela) Serreyn, Rachel (Joe) Krall, Benjamin (Shayna) Muller, Natasha (Derek) Honebrink; and 23 great-grandchildren. Other family members include brother, Marvin (Mavis) Castle; brothers-in-law, Lee (Darlene) Groff, David (Carol) Groff; and many nieces, nephews, and friends; along with her cat, Oreo. She is preceded in death by husband, Richard Groff; son, Rick Groff; parents, Maurice and Edith Castle; loving companion, Merv Gilbertson; sister, Margie (Don) Brosseau; and many beloved pets. Marilyn is also survived by her second family of Merv Gilbertson: children, Doug (Ceal) Gilbertson, Deb Gilbertson, Donnie Gilbertson, Denise Myhrberg, and (JoAnn Gilbertson); his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Blessed be the memory of Marilyn Groff. May her legacy of love, fun, and gratitude live on through her family and friends. Memorials are preferred to Relay for Life – Lyon County, Prairie Home Hospice in Marshall, the American Heart Association, or the Minnesota Alzheimer Association.
