Marilyn Mae Elling

1936 - 2024

Marilyn Mae Elling, 88, of Malmo, peacefully entered Heaven on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

She was born in Malmo on July 27, 1936 to Arden and Allie (Peterson) Ray. Her youthful years were spent attending country school, berry-picking, roller skating at the Malmo Hall, and attending family picnics on the shores of Twenty Lake. She met husband-to-be Gordon Elling on the steps of the Glen Church, and they later wed on June 8, 1951 in Oxnard, California. Returning to Malmo, Gordon soon left for the Navy while Marilyn graduated third in rank from Aitkin High School, Class of '53, and also gave birth to their first child! During the Korean Conflict, the couple exchanged more than 100 love letters while listening to their song, "You Belong to Me."

They later settled into married life in Malmo and added two more children to the family. Gordon worked in construction, and Marilyn was employed at the Aitkin Turkey Plant and waitressed at Malmo Bay Lodge. She was a beautiful seamstress and embroiderer, incredible baker, passionate fan of country music, avid reader, and leader of Community Club, the Glen School PTA, and Pilots of Clear Lake 4H Club.

The family moved to Duluth in the 1960s and split their time between there and Malmo. Marilyn worked in the St. Luke's Dietary Dept., but her most cherished roles in life were that of wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. Marilyn and Gordon resettled in Malmo after retirement to care for her parents and stayed on at the homeplace for good. After Gordon's death in 2001, Marilyn continued to welcome back younger generations for visits and annual deer hunting get-togethers.

Marilyn's second family, the congregation of Bethesda Lutheran Church of Malmo, was a constant source of joy. She was the most devoted fan of their music programs, rollicking Jamboree Show, and Christmas Cantata. She loved the annual Bazaar and was looking forward to buying a big tin of Christmas cookies this year!

She is now reunited with husband Gordon; parents/parents-in-law Arden and Allie, Barb and Ed; infant sister Judith; son-in-law Elwin; and grandson baby Shane.

She is survived and greatly missed by son Brent (Ramona) Elling and daughters Sherrie O'Leary and Valerie Benton; grandchildren Justin (Jenny), Joel, and Jessica (Trent) O'Leary, and Marei Benton; great-grandchildren Hailey, Lacie, Tristan, Kellan, Isabelle, Brandon, Averie, Arianna, and Aurora; great-great granddaughter Jazmyn; numerous cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews; and dear lifelong friends Mary Elling; Gaylard, Loretta, and Barb Westerlund; Pat and Dave Glick; and Pete and Frank Giacomini.

Marilyn's family sincerely thanks the members of Bethesda Lutheran Church of Malmo for the love, kindness, and compassion extended to Marilyn through the years and wishes to express a special thank you to the wonderful team of St. Croix Hospice for the tender care and comfort provided to Marilyn in her last days. She left this world with dignity and grace and is now truly Home for the holidays. Visitation will be on Monday, October 28th, from 5 to 7 PM in Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin. A Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, October 29th at 11 AM in Malmo Cemetery, Malmo. To leave a message of condolence, please visit: www.srtfuneral.com. Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.