Marilyn Roeder (Radke) was a beloved mom, sister, grandma, aunt and neighbor during her 83 years of life. She passed away peacefully in her home during the early hours of Saturday, October 16, 2021 in the company of family.

Marilyn (Munlee) was born on June 26, 1938 to Walter and Lorraine Radke. She grew up in Tracy, Minnesota and was a cheerleader at Tracy High School where she helped design the Scrapper mascot.   She kept cheering for her kids and grandchildren, especially during football games where it's been confirmed by her grandson that she could be heard above everyone else. Her dad and mom were both football lovers; they had season tickets to the Chicago Bears and were original ticket holders for the Minnesota Vikings, a team she remained devoted to her entire life.

She lived and worked in New Ulm, Minnesota for much of her life, a place she loved dearly. You could see her at most any community event but especially at German festivals like Heritagefest and Bachfest where you might catch her on the dance floor with family. If you drove past her home in New Ulm, there was a strong chance you'd see her gardening or hanging her sheets out on the line, something she did even in cold Minnesota winters.

Marilyn's parents Walt and Lorraine instilled a strong work ethic in her that she passed on to her children. Marilyn worked for lawyers for most of her career, beginning with Robert H. Velta Law Firm In Tracy, MN, one of her life mentors.  She would say that since she was a tomboy growing up, she fit right in with the lawyers as "one of the boys". She remained close to many she worked with at the Gislason law firm.  Marilyn also served on the United Way Board of Directors in New Ulm and was proud to start the Salvation Army red kettle program that tripled donations within one year during her tenure there. She worked proudly for the Chamber of Commerce and cherished her time as a "Turner Lady" serving authentic German food during celebrations.  Her parents were also very active with the American Legion members and officers; she herself was an American Legion Auxiliary member since 1959.

A self-described flag waver, she was proud and patriotic and loved the song "God Bless America" which she remembered Kate Smith singing on the radio back in the 40's. If the National Anthem was ever played when you were with her; you were sure to hear her singing loudly and proudly along. Marilyn held a deep faith in Christ. She believed in angels and saw miracles through prayer.

She loved being with people and she would tell you she had the best neighbors in both New Ulm and in Waynesboro, Virginia where she spent the later years of her life. She found many friends at the Waynesboro Elks lodge, where she was a member and spent many Friday nights there with friends she loved. A big movie fan, her last outing was to a private screening with family to see the latest James Bond. She loved babies and children and wouldn't hesitate to cross a room to say hello to a baby, perhaps even kissing their tiny feet, her "favorite part." Beloved by her grandchildren, she was a proud grandma. There were many who called her grandma, even though they weren't related, thanks to her warm, loving and generous spirit.

Marilyn is survived by her brothers Ron Radke and Gary Radke and sister Shirley Meidl; her children, Shannon Roeder, Rick Roeder (Becky) and Jennifer Jones (Bill); her grandchildren, Erin Johnson, Kali Blacker and Cody Roeder; Jordan Brown, Will & Anna Jones, and great-grandchild Arlo Brown. She was predeceased by her father Walt and her mother Lorraine.

A service honoring Marilyn will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Thursday October 21, 2021 at 1 PM. A celebration of her life will also follow in New Ulm, Minnesota at Turner Hall on Saturday, October 30th beginning at 2 PM.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Augusta Regional SPCA , an organization Marilyn felt strongly about.

Marilyn will be missed dearly, but we are so grateful for the time we had with her. Her warm laugh and big hugs will be remembered by everyone she met. We will think of her always, and perhaps especially as we enjoy the things she did, watching a football game (with gusto) on a fall afternoon, enjoying a slice of peach pie, hanging sheets out on the line on a breezy day, watching birds at the feeder, spotting a groundhog in a grassy field or spending time with family.

May she run and jump in heaven until we see her again.