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Marilynn J. Middendorf

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Marilynn J. Middendorf, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, with her family by her side.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, May 16 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. Tim Wenzel officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre.
Marilynn Jean Kane was born on October 11, 1928, in Duluth, Minnesota, to William and Marie (Wenzel) Kane. She attended Sauk Centre Secondary School, graduating in 1946. Marilynn married the love of her life, George Middendorf, on October 26, 1948, at Saint Alexius Parish in West Union, Minnesota. Together, they raised five children while working side by side on the family farm for over 50 years. Their commitment to each other and their family was the foundation of a life well-lived.
Early in her life, Marilynn worked as a nurse’s aide in Melrose, Minnesota, where she dedicated herself to caring for others with kindness and compassion. Later, she and George worked together on the farm, where she was known not only for her hard work and dedication but also for her sense of humor, creativity, and joy in the simple pleasures of farm life. Marilynn was a giver at heart, always donating her time, resources, and prayers to anyone in need. Whether it was a meal for a neighbor, a helping hand on the farm, or a quiet prayer for a friend, she found fulfillment in giving of herself to others.
Marilynn’s talents as a homemaker were only surpassed by her boundless creativity. She enjoyed sewing, fine needlework, and crocheting, and had a knack for creating beautiful pieces with her hands. She was also well-known for her ability to cut hair and, on occasion, would offer the gift of an ear piercing. Alongside her sister, she designed some of the most memorable clown costumes in the area. Her fish filleting skills were legendary, and she was often called upon to use what many considered to be the sharpest knife in Stearns County.
Marilynn was an avid reader, a lover of travel, a puzzle enthusiast, and a fan of westerns. Her faith was central to her life, and she was an active member of Saint Paul’s Church in Sauk Centre. She served her community through the Homemakers Club, Christian Mothers, Prayer Chain, and as a homebound Eucharistic Minister, bringing comfort and companionship to those in need.
She will be deeply missed by her children, Pat (Bob) VonWahlde of Melrose, Jim (Myra) Middendorf of Sauk Centre, Donna (John) Broermann of Sauk Centre, and Georgiann (Marty) Primus of Sauk Centre; daughter-in-law, LaVonne Middendorf of Sauk Centre; 21 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; and siblings, Patty Neal and John “Jack” Kane.
Marilynn was preceded in death by her husband, George Middendorf on October 28, 2019; son, Michael Middendorf in 2018; parents; sister and brothers, Joyce Hansen, James Kane, and Charles Kane.
Marilynn will be remembered for her unwavering faith, tireless generosity, and the warmth she brought into every room she entered. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.