Marilyn Jane Engfer

Marilyn Jane Engfer, age 91, passed away peacefully on Jan. 29, 2024. She grew up in Minneapolis and set off for California after high school with a group of girlfriends. The year she spent in Los Angeles was a high point she recalled throughout her life. Returning to Minnesota, she became reacquainted with Jim Engfer, whom she'd known since elementary school, and they married. Marilyn worked as a secretary at Honeywell and Tennant until the birth of her daughter. In the 1970s, the family lived in Davenport, IA, where Marilyn and Jim formed many close connections at St. Paul Lutheran Church. They returned to the Twin Cities area in the 1980s and settled in Brooklyn Park. In recent years Marilyn received companionship and care for dementia at the Waters of Edina. Despite many adversities in early life, Marilyn emerged as a survivor and found many sources of joy: playing golf and bridge, polka dancing, Frank Sinatra, friends, reading, a properly made vodka gimlet, dining out, her cats (Mandy, Cal, Maggie and Max) and her grandsons. Preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Jim, parents William and Lorena Emerson, brother Denny. Survived by daughter LeeAnne (David), grandchildren Jay and Sam, sisters Maureen Bednarcyzk (Jim), Sandy Gross (Bob), nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews. Memorial service Sunday, Feb. 4, at 11 am, with lunch to follow, at Washburn-McReavy Nokomis Park Chapel, 1838 E. Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis. Private interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials to Friends of the Hennepin County Library or Animal Humane Society.