Marilyn Brower

Marilyn Lorayne Brower (nee Krongard) 

After 96 wonderful years, Marilyn peacefully joined her loving husband of 67 years, Charles, and daughter Julie, on September 4, 2026. She is survived by her children Charles, David (Terri), Jeffrey (Donna), and Diane (Randy) McKee; grandchildren Amanda (Tim) Katka, Sarah, Sam (Kayla), Amelia, Starlynn and Clinton; great-grandchildren Sophia, Ty, Sadie, and Lyric; special friend, Larry Tomai; and numerous loved nieces and nephews. 

As the last remaining member of her siblings, Marilyn also joins her brothers, Leslie and Dale, and her sisters, Myra and Marie, and her parents, Henry and Pauline Krongard.

Marilyn left a legacy of caring for others. She was a beloved mother, a favorite Oma to grandchildren, and special to all those who received her warm smile and attention. 

Her love language was providing nourishment to all, whether it was the consistent family meals, the elaborate holiday meals, delivering a cornucopia of produce from her garden to a doorstep, or the church suppers for her faith family. Growing up during the depression may have contributed to ensuring food, representing care, was abundant for others. While she did not know how to cook or bake before marrying Chuck, she quickly became an expert. Even as the Cub Scout leader, she chose activities such as a tour of the local candy company - a popular and memorable meeting! 

In addition to her abundant love and care, she will be forever remembered for her cookies. Every occasion was celebrated with a variety of cookies, including holidays, travels, and doorstep deliveries. Even her children's friends would ask about Ma Brower's cookies. 

Her skills extended beyond nurturing her family; she was always a dedicated working woman even during a time that was uncommon for a woman to work outside the home. She started working at the age of 16 and was given significant responsibilities when her employer saw her abilities. She continued to work in a variety of roles while always giving her focus to raising her family. While she may have needed to leave the dinner making to Chuck (the burnt meals were never the children's favorite) to work an evening shift, that shift was at a clothing store where she would get a discount on the family's clothes. 

Her focus on family included her faith family, too. She was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church for over 70 years where she was an active Circle member and sang in the choir. When not actively engaging at the church, she volunteered to provide respite care for others who needed breaks from caretaking.

After raising her own family of five, she continued nurturing the next generation of grandchildren. She spent years providing daily care, shuttling grandchildren to and from pre- 9/09/2026 school, and impromptu babysitting whenever asked. She attended every sporting, music, and school event, always with a smile and words of praise. And, of course, she provided the grandchildren with an endless supply of cookies (and occasionally let them eat spoonfuls of sugar straight from the sugar bowl). The time she spent nurturing her grandchildren shows in the close relationships she had with them. 

As the verse she chose for her wedding day declared: Years are coming, Years are going, All things change and pass away. But the light of love is growing stronger, surer, day by day. 

Her family is blessed to have loved and been loved by her. Her legacy of nurturing and care will continue through the generations to come. 

Memorial service 11 AM on Saturday, October 3rd at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Stillwater, MN. Visitation one hour prior to service. 

Memorials preferred to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Stillwater, MN, or Lakeview Hospice.