Marilyn J. Gregerson

Marilyn J. Gregerson, age 92, of Columbus, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Marilyn was born on July 26, 1933, in Springfield, Minnesota, to Hugo and Elenora (Schultz) Herder. She grew up with strong family values that would guide her throughout her life and graduated from Bird Island High School.

On May 17, 1958, Marilyn was united in marriage to the love of her life, Lowell Gregerson, at Zion Lutheran Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Together, they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and devotion. After a few years in Saint Paul, they made their home in Columbus, Minnesota, where they raised their family and created countless cherished memories.

Marilyn dedicated many years of her life caring for others. She worked as a nursing assistant at Birchwood Health Care Center for over a decade, offering compassion and comfort to those in need. She later became a cook at a local daycare, where she continued to nurture others, before eventually retiring to care for one of her grandchildren—a role she treasured deeply.

Family was at the heart of everything Marilyn did. She loved gathering everyone together for Sunday meals, filling her home with warmth, laughter, and the comfort of her cooking. She was an incredible wife, mother, and grandmother whose love knew no bounds. Fiercely protective and endlessly caring, she never stopped looking out for her children, always asking for a call to be sure they made it home safely.

Marilyn found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She looked forward to trips to the casino in Hinckley, where she often claimed she came out a little ahead. She also shared a special bond with her sisters during their beloved “girls weekends up north,” a tradition that spanned over 40 years. Those weekends were filled with trips to the casino, time spent relaxing on the deck, and endless laughter. Her collection of Duluth sweatshirts became a treasured symbol of those memories and the deep love she had for her family.

She was thoughtful and intentional in her relationships, always remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones, making each person feel seen and valued. Marilyn’s kindness and warmth extended beyond her family—she lived by the simple but powerful belief that everyone should be treated with love and respect, no matter who they are.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 55 years, Lowell; and her siblings, Jim Herder, Kathleen Boudewyns, and Tom Herder.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her children, Mike (Stephanie) Gregerson, Nancy Calvin, and Tom (Chris) Gregerson; her grandchildren, Justin Gregerson, Amanda (Alex) Polacek, Jim (Maria) Calvin, Bill (Ciara) Calvin, Samantha (Aaron) Krantz, and Jacob Gregerson; and her great-grandchildren, Peyton, Havana, Layla, Levi, Lowell, Brielle, Landon, Laynie, and Livia. She is also survived by her siblings, Dick Herder, Joann Johnson, and David Herder; her sister-in-law, Nan Herder; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Marilyn’s life, sharing a meal and memories together—just as she would have wanted. She will be laid to rest alongside her beloved Lowell at Faith Lutheran Memorial Prayer Garden. Memorials may be directed to Olive Grove Hospice www.olivegrovecare.com

Marilyn’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family will live on in all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will remain in the hearts of those she touched.