Marilyn Terwilliger

Marilyn A. (Mortvedt) Terwilliger, age 88, of Eden Prairie, died Friday, Sept. 8, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Clara Mortvedt; her husband, Richard Terwilliger; her daughter, Debra Terwilliger; sisters, Lucille Ramstad and Carole Petersen; brother, John Mortvedt; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Terwilliger.

She is survived by her son, Scott (Sandy) Terwilliger; sisters, Audrey Mortensen and Jeanne Steinharter; brother, Robert Mortvedt; brothers-in-law, Don (Carolyn) Terwilliger and Roy Terwilliger; sister-in-law, Marlene Mortvedt; grandchildren, Tara, Briana (Karen), Ben (Jordan), Sam, and Natalie; great-grandson, Layne; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was born in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, grew up on the family farm, and, for the first five years of school, attended a one-room schoolhouse as the only student in her grade level. She studied education at South Dakota State. At a party during college, she met her future husband, Dick, after telling a friend, “He’s going to ask me to dance.” The couple lived briefly in New Jersey but spent most of their married life in South Dakota and Wisconsin. Marilyn taught reading in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and was a substitute teacher in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

She moved to Eden Prairie in 1985 after the death of her husband. She worked part-time retail jobs and became a volunteer at Methodist Hospital in 1987, serving for more than 30 years. She belonged to St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie, where she was active on numerous committees. Her other interests included golf, bowling, reading, puzzles, knitting and needlework. Her relatives and friends looked forward to the funny and offbeat birthday cards Marilyn had a knack for choosing. Her sharp wit, loving spirit and ability to see the good and funny in everyone will be deeply missed.

A funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 13600 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, with visitation at 10 a.m. and lunch to follow. Memorials may be directed to the St. Andrew Lutheran Church Youth Camp Fund.