Marilyn Follett

Follett, Marilyn Ann.

90 years young. Marilyn peacefully entered her Heavenly home on March 18th at her home at Valora Senior Living in Saint Anthony, MN.

Marilyn was born on July 19th, 1935, to Frank and Marjorie (Schaefer) Leslie in Chicago, IL. She was the second oldest of seven children.

Her life growing up was one of fun and lively games amongst hard work. When she was 12, they moved to Paw Paw MI, to a farm. Her mom did NOT want to move to the farm, but her dad said, "Marjorie, just give me one year here" and after a short time the ENTIRE family loved life working on the farm. Her mom baked daily, which is where Marilyn learned. When they went to live on the farm, her dad had appendicitis and was with three other men in the recovery room, and one man loved Jesus and was so excited, sharing with another man about the change Jesus had made in his life. That sparked an interest in Frank, her dad, and he decided to check out the church and brought his family with. They really loved what they saw there-an intense love for Jesus that was genuine. Marilyn invited Jesus to come and be her Lord and Savior when she was 12 and was filled with the Holy Spirit not long after. She said this really drew her closer to Jesus and gave her a boldness and love for people.

She graduated and was hoping to be a nurse but did not get accepted into nursing school. She decided to head to Minneapolis, to stay with her sister Carol, at North Central Bible College. There, she worked in the cafeteria. She LOVED her studies, and friendships she made, and was the life of the party. Shortly after graduating she met Daryl, through her roommate, on a blind date. They fell in love and were married in 1961. They moved to a house on Morgan Avenue in Minneapolis, MN and they were married 54 years, until God called Daryl home. They had three children, Mike, Linda, and Tami. Daryl worked as a tool repair man for 41 years, and Marilyn supported him on the home front. She was an excellent cook, baker, and she loved to garden and sew. Her love for Jesus was at the forefront, and the family participated in many events at Bethel Assemblies of God in Minneapolis, MN. Marilyn taught Sunday school, was head of the women's ministry and nursery ministry for many years. They instilled a love for Jesus and people in their family, having Bible reading and prayer time each night after supper. Marilyn was a hard worker and taught her children a wide range of things which helped them navigate life on their own. She accompanied Daryl down to Kinbrae MN, at the land they inherited where Daryl had grown up. There, they had the time of their lives; Daryl-working on motors, and all things in the garages, Marilyn- baking, cooking, gardening, and keeping up the trailer. They both LOVED it there and their children had the opportunity to enjoy and visit from time to time. Marilyn hosted neighborhood tea parties and really enjoyed spending time with neighbors at their home on Morgan Avenue. Once their children got married, they visited Linda and Todd in Lake City Minnesota, and enjoyed time with their grandchildren, Max, Morgan, and Lauren. Marilyn was deeply committed to her family and was always interested in whatever they were doing. She always had an upbeat, selfless attitude, which was inspiring to all who knew her. She held onto friends, keeping in touch with friends from college, until God called her home. She was born with a malfunctioning Aortic Heart valve, which required many surgeries in her life, plus other health issues. Through it all, Marilyn maintained a zest for life and her faith never wavered. After Daryl went to Heaven, Marilyn found joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren, and they enjoyed taking her to places and experiences she had never seen before. It was pure joy to be with her, and we will never forget and strive to have the attitude she did. Marilyn really enjoyed sweets and chocolate. When finished with a meal, even though full, she would always say, "Well of COURSE I have room, even for a bit of chocolate". Her Son-in-law Jerry took her to church when Marilyn stopped driving. The two shared some wonderful times as they worshipped together. Marilyn loved her church and was always SO encouraged by Pastor John Krans, and so many other dear friends there. She sang in the choir for many years and said often what a thrill it was to sing. The last year of her life was one of the best. She had visits from her sister Barb, whom she had not seen in over 20 years, and brother and wife Jonathon and Susan. Her niece Becky and husband Tim visited. Her daughter Linda came several times to visit, and Son Mike and Fiona spent time with her, also. She was able to go down to Red Wing with Linda and Tami, enjoying once again a very special time with Dr Joe at Sevlie Chiropractic, one of her very favorite places. We had two 90th birthday celebrations. Jerry and Tami brought her down to Kinbrae two times, the later time she and Tami went alone where they shared one of the very best weekends. Marilyn shared many past stories of life there with Daryl, they saw dear friends, and rode around in a friend's golf cart, a highlight for Marilyn. She felt awesome. One day later, at the end of September 2025, Marilyn experienced a stroke, which left her unable to walk or use her left hand well. Determined to walk and recover, she spent four months in St Anthony Health and Rehabilitation in St Anthony, MN. There, despite many struggles and hospital stays, she made many friends and worked hard with the incredible, encouraging therapists, Jules and Michelle, to get stronger. Many thanks to the Nurse Manager, Akpante Noussika, and special aid, Esterline, plus many other aids and nurses, for their incredible care. God had a plan, and even though we do not always understand His ways, Marilyn trusted Him to guide her. Back at her Senior Living, she lived life to the fullest for two weeks, participating in many activities despite her challenges. She enjoyed visiting with dear friend Nancy and had visits from walking partner Jerry and dear friend Josie. Many thanks for the good care from the nurses Taylor and Amy, and unwavering support from Mary, and many more folks. The last five days of her life on this earth were precious. Tami got to be with her and they sang hymns, had visits from many dear friends, read the Bible, and worshiped God freely, thanking Him for everything she experienced in life. She did not waste a minute, asking how our days were, and expressing thankfulness for even the smallest thing done for her.

Now, Marilyn is rejoicing with Jesus, whom she loved so dearly. She is with her beloved Daryl, and many more family members, and friends. She is healed, with a new body! While we will miss her daily, we know we will see her again and spend eternity with her! PRAISE THE LORD!

Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daryl, and son-in-law Todd Bernick.

Survived by Son Michael Follett (Fiona Lennox), daughters Linda Bernick, and Tamara Johnson (Jerry). Grandchildren Max, Morgan, and Lauren; Great-grandchild Aurora. Sisters Barbara Ellcey and Janet Norman, and brother, Jonathon Leslie (Susan).

Celebration of Life July 18th, 2026, at Crowne Pointe Church, 7121 Bloomington Ave South, Richfield Minnesota. Time to follow at later date. Interment, Fort Snelling.