Marian Faye Kyllo

Marian Faye Kyllo (née Benson), passed away peacefully surrounded with the love and affection of all of her children, on Sunday evening, September 21, 2025, after a life of over 95 years. Born March 6, 1930, in New Effington, South Dakota, Marian grew up as the child of John and Bertha Benson. She graduated from Wahpeton, North Dakota, High School in 1948, and as a student who had actively participated in theater, music (choir), and debate. After graduating from high school, she matriculated to and graduated from the business and science school in Fargo, North Dakota, which ultimately led her in her early twenties to strive for and achieve success in the business world as an Executive Secretary to the Vice President of Puget Sound National Bank in Tacoma, Washington. Later, she worked for Northwestern National Bank after moving to Minneapolis, where she met and married her husband, Robert ("Bob") Kyllo, in 1956. She and Bob quickly started a family and Marian became a busy, full-time "mom", raising four children - Kimberly, Tom, Berit, and David. After all of her children grew up, Marian went back to work as an office manager for 10 years with an international, nonprofit organization which provided various architectural and construction management services to create healthcare, education, and religious facilities in India and multiple countries in Africa. In her spare time, she particularly enjoyed reading, music, current events, holiday gatherings, and general fun with family members, friends, and relatives. She was also a 60+ year member of St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, attended Bible studies, and participated in women's circles. Until the final days before her passing, she continued to express thanks and gratitude for her long life; the love of her family, friends, and relatives; and the support of her caregivers. Marian is preceded in death by her husband (Bob); her mother and father (Bertha and John Benson); and three of her four siblings (Delphine Benson, Weldon Benson, and Carol Johnson). She is survived by her sister Paulette Benson Hutton; her children Kimberly Kyllo (Tom Williams), Tom Kyllo (Mary), Berit Francis (Michael), and David Kyllo (Paula); and her six grandchildren - Wyatt Williams, Evan Francis, Carter Francis, Crosbie Francis, Marit Francis, and Grace Kyllo. The family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers of Senior Helpers of Lake Minnetonka, as well as the residential hospice care team at N.C. Little Hospice in Edina. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. (with a Visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M.) at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN; live stream available at spdlc.org/livestream. A reception at the church will follow the funeral service. A private interment service will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, N.C. Little Hospice, or a charity of your choice.