Marilyn Stewart

Marilyn Delano Stewart, 94, died peacefully at St. Mary's Hospital on November 15, 2025. Marilyn's six decades of civic leadership in Rochester were memorable. Her successful years' long quest to bring a University of Minnesota branch to the city she loved has changed its landscape. Through her leadership, advocacy and vision she helped create UMR, the University of Minnesota, Rochester.

It would be impossible to list each and every organization Marilyn led over the years. She warmed up for her future leadership roles by joining the board of the Civic League Day Nursery not long after arriving in Rochester in 1961. The eventual span of her involvement ranged from the presidency of the Minnesota Association of Realtors and the Rochester Rotary Club to board membership of the Minnesota Orchestra and National Association of Realtors. Her work as chair of Governor Pawlenty's Rochester Higher Education Development Committee in 2005-2006 has had the most lasting impact. To that role Marilyn brought her twin passions of education and community involvement combined with her innate ability to inspire others and get things done through partnerships.

A proud alumna of the University of Minnesota, Marilyn received an honorary doctorate of laws degree from the University earlier this year in recognition of her lifelong commitment to public service and community leadership. She will be remembered as a mentor to many Rochester women.

Marilyn Lou Delano was born October 22, 1931, in Lake City, Iowa, to Edward and Inez (Horstman) Delano and grew up in Iowa and southern Minnesota. Returning to the U of M after Thanksgiving break in 1952, Marilyn met the love of her life, Jack Stewart. By June 1954 they were married and on their way to Washington, where Marilyn taught first grade and Jack completed his Naval service at the Pentagon. They settled in Rochester in 1961 to establish Jack's dental practice and raise their three children.

For 67 years, Marilyn and Jack worked as a team supporting each other in every way. They were passionate about history, antiques and architecture. They often took study trips to New England and the Eastern Seaboard. They wished to ensure that their custom-built Bamber Heights home was an authentic replica of the 18th-century Ashley House in historic Deerfield. Marilyn was an accomplished gourmet cook and together they loved to entertain. The special events and family gatherings they hosted in their home were legendary.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack, daughter Nancy, and sister Marjorie Delano Doss. Marilyn is survived by her son David, daughter Janet Moffitt (Chris); grandchildren Hellen Moffitt and Hugh Moffitt; her brother Richard (Patty) Delano; and her nieces and nephews who called her "Auntie".

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Dr. John L. and Marilyn D. Stewart Scholarship (#7916) at the University of Minnesota Rochester, c/o UMR Development Office, Suite 300, 111 South Broadway, Rochester, MN 55904.

A memorial service celebrating Marilyn's life will be held Friday, December 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1884 22nd Street, NW, Rochester, MN 55901.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Stewart family.