Marilyn Jean Hill

1932 - 2025

Northfield, MN - Marilyn Jean Hill, long time resident of Northfield, passed away on November 3, 2025 at age 93. Marilyn was an original 'Supermom.' Married at age 21 to her high school sweetheart, she completed her college studies at St. Cloud State in three years and began a long career in in education: first as a teacher, later as a college administrator at Carleton College where she led the placement and testing offices for many years. She actively advocated for the hiring of Carleton students, travelling to corporate headquarters around the country, as well as to CIA headquarters, the Pentagon and an aircraft carrier, to Hollywood studios and investment banks in New York City. Off the job, she was a Cub Scout mom, seamstress for dance recitals and never missed a ball game or track meet of any of her five children. We honestly don't know how she did it, but she was a constant source of support and wise counsel for each of her brood and the people closest to them. She was also one of the funniest people we know. She could crack an insightful joke, but always with a spirit of acceptance, empathy and love. We feel so grateful to carry with us memories of hilarious conversations with her. Marilyn was an active member of AAUW for many years, serving in state-level leadership positions and was particularly proud to have connected the AAUW with College Possible, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to higher education for all students. She was an active member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Northfield, serving on the church council and many years of participation in the bell choir; after her retirement she was also was active in the Northfield Hospital Auxiliary and the Northfield Garden Club. Memorials preferred to College Possible, St. Paul. Our family will forever appreciate the amazing care team who enabled Marilyn to remain in her home: Mikaela, Chelsy, Becky, Jennifer, Dede, Rosie and Nancy Topp, who helped us find each of these wonderful people to be part of her final years. And the hospice team from Allina, led by Tom. We benefitted from their collective wisdom, experience and compassion. Marilyn was born July 30, 1932 to Rudolph and Ethel (Mattson) Nelson in St. Paul, Minnesota, second of ten children, and spent most of her youth in Sauk Rapids, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, her infant brother Rudy, Jr, her younger brother William, her older sister Gloria Clewitt, her grandson Thomas, and her brothers-in-law Stan Clewitt, Jim Couture and Chuck Adleman. She is survived by her soulmate and husband of 72 years, Donald; five children: Steven (Claire) Hill, Northfield; Kathy (John) Tunheim, Stillwater; Gary (Evelyn) Hill, Minneapolis; Peggy (Steve) Schenck, Kalispell, MT; Michael (Roopa) Hill, Brooklyn NY; ten much-loved grandchildren and three cherished great-granddaughters: Michael Hill, Benjamin (Megan) Hill; Elizabeth (Matthew) Sheets; Isaac (Stefanie) Hill; Andrew Hill; Samuel Tunheim; Tyler Schenck; Vaughn Hill; Elsa Hill; Abril Lopez Hill; Isabel Sheets; Eelynn and Scout Hill; also survived by six siblings: Elinor Couture, White Bear Lake; Don (Jan) Nelson, Fridley; Joann (Curt) Hoganson, St. Paul; Carol Adleman, Luck, WI; John (Nancy) Nelson, Minnetonka; David Nelson, Edina; sister-in-law Lois Teske, Lakeland, Fla, brother-in-law Ken Hill, Sauk Rapids; many beloved nieces and nephews. Funeral Services for Marilyn will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Northfield. Visitation will be held from 10-11 AM at church. Marilyn will be laid to rest at the Nelson Cemetery in Nelson, MN, on Thursday, November 13. Arrangements are with the Bierman, Benson, & Langehough Funeral Home of Northfield. www.northfieldfuneral.com