North Oaks - age 89. North Oaks. If you ever had the joy of meeting Marilyn Jean Mitsch, you didn't just make an acquaintance — you gained family. Born on October 11, 1936, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Audrey and George Martin. Marilyn grew up in South St. Anthony, proud of her father's Irish spirit and her mother's White Earth heritage. She carried both with her: a fire in her soul and a deep sense of belonging and compassion for others. She married the love of her life, Ronald Mitsch, and together they built a family that became her greatest joy. They lovingly raised their four children; Jeffrey, Gregory (Michelle), RaeAnne (Leo), and Sean. She was deeply devoted to her family and held the memories of her sons, Sean (2005) and Jeffrey (2025). Marilyn's home was never quiet. Filled with laughter, stories, and the hum of generations gathered around her. She was "Grandma" not only to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren— Eric (Annie), Stephen (Alexandra), Taylor (Alex), Martin (Liz), Mackenzie (Kenzie), Sarah, Elisabeth, Annie, Hayden, Adeline, Benjamin, Allen, Brooks and Monroe Jean—but also to countless others she affectionately "adopted" along the way. Her career took her from being a medical technologist to working for the Roseville Schools Science Center, where she met her lifelong group of friends lovingly called the "Framily." Marilyn was endlessly curious and determined, taking evening classes at the University of Minnesota while raising her family. Her journey also took her to Nebraska, the Netherlands, and many other countries, where she made lifelong friends, had new stories to share and never forgetting birthdays of those she met. Marilyn was deeply faithful. Every night, she would spend hours saying ten prayers for each person on her list (and her list was constantly growing). She believed in the power of prayer, education and in giving back, always finding ways to lift others up, especially through her support of the White Earth Reservation, providing opportunities for others to further their higher education, and explore the world as she was fortunate to do throughout her life. Anyone who knew her can tell you this: sitting down with Marilyn was never a short visit. You might stop by for a quick hello, and three hours later, you'd still be there. Laughing, crying, or listening to one of her incredible stories about family, travel, or one of the many adventures she had with her husband. She had a bright, unforgettable personality: strong, feisty, fiercely loving, and absolutely unafraid to tell you what she thought. But no matter what, she made sure you knew how deeply you were loved. Marilyn passed away peacefully at home on November 4, 2025, at age 89, with her family by her side. Her Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist of Little Canada, with visitation from 10-11 a.m., followed by a Mass at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow at Lake Elmo Inn Event Center. There will be a private burial. Those wishing to honor her memory may make donations to Children's Hospital in Saint Paul. Marilyn's light will continue to shine in every act of kindness, every story told, and every person who carries her love forward.

Bradshaw - White Bear

651-407-8300