Marilyn Van Essen

Marilyn Rae Van Essen was born on October 26, 1957 to Wallace and Marilyn (Walz) Stueland in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  When she was two, she moved with her family to Menno, South Dakota for a couple years before moving to Ohio and in 1963, moved to Coon Rapids, Minnesota where she attended school.  In 1973, she started working for Shopper City until her graduation from Coon Rapids Senior High School in 1975.  After her graduation, she moved to Winona, Minnesota for two years and then moved to Freeman, South Dakota where she was employed at the Freeman Nursing Home. In 1979, she started working for Wollman’s Grocery and then ten years later Freeman Academy.  On October 23, 1993, she was united in marriage to Glenn Van Essen at First Reformed Church in Edgerton, Minnesota.  Following their marriage, they lived in Edgerton.  She worked at Wilson’s Clothing Store in Pipestone, Minnesota for four years and then worked at Geyerman’s for five years.  In 2000, they moved to Pipestone and in 2003, she became employed at Loopy’s until opening the Second Edition which she owned for 21 years. After a long battle with cancer, she passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the age of 66 years.   

Marilyn was a member of Faith Community Church in Pipestone.  She liked music, researching and learning new things, and expanding her knowledge.  She enjoyed reading, dancing, thrifting, decorating and going for walks.  She also enjoyed camping, boating, and kayaking.  She loved attending kids/grandkids events.  She was always willing to listen and give advice and liked having a clean house. She loved spending time with her family and gave the best hugs.  

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Glenn Van Essen of Pipestone, Minnesota; two daughters, Rebecca Wollman of Pipestone and Victoria (Preston) Van Essen of St. Augusta, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Marina, Sam and Isabella Wollman; and one great-grandson, Colton Wollman.  She was preceded in death by one son, Max and her parents, Wallace and Marilyn Stueland.