Marilyn Isenberg
Marilyn Isenberg, age 97 of Winthrop died peacefully on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at the New Ulm Medical Center in New Ulm.
A funeral service will be at 11am on Monday, November 20, 2023 at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – SOUTH chapel with Baptist Preacher, Dr. David Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Swedish Methodist Cemetery in rural Lafayette.
Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – SOUTH chapel and will continue from 10-11am on Monday at the funeral home, prior to the service.
To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org
Marilyn is survived by her children, Steven Laverne (Joanne) Isenberg of Hutchinson, Carol Louise Isenberg of Winthrop, Linda Jean Isenberg of Fairfax, Thomas Rodney (Lenora) Isenberg of Placerville, CA; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Minnie Melander; husband, Vern Gordon Isenberg.
Marilyn Fern Delorus Melander was born on November 14, 1925 to Joseph and Minnie (Johnson) Melander in Minneapolis. She was a music prodigy at age 3. She was asked as a teenager to travel with Minneapolis McPhail School of Music in vocal and piano. Marilyn graduated high school and went on to attend Florence Ett Business college (in the Medical Arts building) and McPhail School of Music in Minneapolis. On June 25, 1949 Marilyn was united in marriage to Vern Isenberg in Mount Olivet Methodist Church in Minneapolis. This union was blessed with four children, Steven, Carol, Linda, and Thomas. Marilyn was executive secretary at North American Life and Casualty Insurance, then, top secretary at Massachusetts Mutal, and later became a full-time wife and mother of her 4 children. Marilyn had such talent with music. She enjoyed singing, playing piano, and playing regular and pipe organs. She was a wonderful cook and baker and shared many meals with family for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day holidays and other great family get-togethers. Marilyn enjoyed trips with Vern, especially to Branson, MO and California. Frequent outings to morning coffee and (caramel) rolls with Vern were very special times for Marilyn. After Vern’s passing, they continued with her daughter, or other family members. Marilyn’s passion for music continued throughout her life, teaching music to her children and performing gospel hymns solo or with family in area churches. Many Sundays, Marilyn and Carol played organ and piano together. Marilyn’s grandfather was one of the original founders of Clear Lake Baptist Church, which planted deep roots in her faith. She dedicated herself and raised her family to love Jesus Christ. Many memories were made in Marilyn’s long life and they will live on through those who love her. Blessed be her memory.
