Marie Caroline Espinda

Marie C. Espinda, 87, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 24 surrounded by her family.

Marie Caroline Engrav was born on January 2, 1938, in Waukon, Iowa to Halvor and Erna Engrav. She grew up on a farm in Ridgeway, Minnesota. The family eventually moved to Winona where she attended St. Martin's Lutheran School, Winona Senior High and went on to graduate from Winona State College in 1960.

While in college she met and married the love of her life, Herbert Nikela Espinda, on December 26, 1960, at St Martin's Lutheran Church in Winona, Minnesota.

Marie and Herb moved to Blooming Prairie, Minnesota where she began teaching English and directing the high school play, Arsenic and Old Lace. They started their family in Blooming Prairie and then moved to Rochester, Minnesota in 1966. Marie began as a substitute teacher for Rochester Public Schools and in 1973 was hired full-time as a middle school English teacher. Marie received the Excellence in Education Award in 1990 for her significant contributions to improving the quality of schooling for her students. She taught for 30 years and always stated she earned her place in heaven teaching eighth-grade English.

Besides working with youth, Marie also enjoyed casino trips, cleaning, crossword puzzles, dining out, entertaining, family trips to Hawaii, flower gardening, sports and reading. Marie and Herb traveled the country in their conversion van and made connections at every stop. Their favorite pastimes were attending their daughters and grandchildren's events. Marie (Tutu) always arrived with the best treats and a cooler of drinks for the teams and fans. Tutu would always be prepared with her numerous bags filled with supplies in case anyone needed anything.

In addition to their Ohana, Marie and Herb were blessed with dear friends. They created many fond memories together; from games, parties, road trips, roasts, skits, and ukulele, their friends continued to surround Marie and Herb with their love and support.

Marie is survived by her beloved husband, Herbie, and her three daughters Leah (Doug) Brandt, Teresa (Chris) Gathje and Andrea (Tim) EspindaBanick. Tutu was blessed with eleven grandchildren Erik, Sarah, Nikela (Jessie), Brennan (Lindsey), Seth, Kainoa (Nikki), Kealie, Ka'iulani (Carter), McKinley (Andrew), Caden, and Bennet. In addition, she was a proud Tutu to seven great-grandchildren Jackson, Kassidy, Victoria, Beckett, Oliver, Benson, and Colbie. Marie is also survived by her brother-in-law, Jamie (Susan), sisters-in-law Kaleinani and Sydney, an array of devoted nieces and nephews, their children and the Evjen Ohana.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, her siblings, Vernon and Marlin Engrav and Joy Smith, brother and sister-in-law Eki and Moana Espinda and brother-in-law Walter Larsen.

The family requests memorials be directed to Seasons Hospice, Mayo Clinic Cancer Research (give.MayoClinic.org) or Bethel Lutheran Church.

The visitation will be at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home on Monday, March 10, 2025 from 4 PM -7 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior.  You may use this link to view Marie's Service.

The Espindas would like to extend a special Mahalo to Gonda 10, Eisenberg Station 44, Dr. Dennis Regan, Season's Hospice and their entire Ohana for their love and care throughout Marie's journey.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Espinda family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.