Marilyn Eckerle

Marilyn Anne Eckerle, 79, of Minneapolis passed away on January 24th after a 19-month encounter with cancer.
Marilyn was born on December 20th, 1945 to Harold and Ruth Woehrle in Detroit, Michigan, before spending most of her childhood years in La Grange Park, Illinois. She graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1964 and went on to earn a degree in Special Education from the University of Michigan, graduating in 1968. The day her grade-school sweetheart, Marvin Eckerle, graduated from college, the couple married. In the midst of raising her four children, Marilyn returned to school, earning a Nursing degree from Normandale Community College and became a Registered Nurse in 1986, an occupation from which she never really retired.
Marilyn was a compassionate person who led quietly from the background and without fanfare. An exceptional caregiver, she served her immediate and extended family, friends, church family, her students with special needs, and the patients and residents of Presbyterian Homes in Bloomington where she worked for 31 years. Her heart for seniors in care centers included bringing music to them as the piano accompanist for the Richfield Silvernotes for 41 years and also as a volunteer pianist at Presbyterian Homes.
Marilyn was deeply devoted to her family and enjoyed spending as much time as possible watching the various activities her kids and grandkids participated in, whether it was music, sports, or theater.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, John and Mildred Eckerle; her brother, Donald Woehrle; her sister-in-law, Donna Woehrle; and her nephew, Tim Carmichael. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years; her children Jennifer Malecha (Doug), Jeff (Missy) Eckerle, Judy Eckerle (Martin Greven), and Joe (Jami) Eckerle; her brother, Thomas Woehrle; her sister, Barbara Carmichael (David); her sister-in-law, Adrienne Woehrle; 10 grandchildren whom she absolutely adored; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved golden retriever, Jeter.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday February 15th at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. The service will begin at 11:00am, with visitation starting before at 10:00am and a reception, including refreshments, following the service. The church parking entrance is on Alice Rainville Place. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Westminster Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice, in Marilyn's name.