Marilyn Rose Mortenson

Marilyn Rose Mortenson, 86, of Charlottesville, VA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Linden House. She was born on May 24, 1939, in Minnesota to the late Robert and Adeline Clark.

Marilyn was raised as a farm girl in southern Minnesota, where she learned early the value of hard work, faith, and caring for others. She graduated from Fulda High School and always fondly remembered her time as a majorette in the marching band, an experience that brought her great pride and joy.

Although Marilyn had intended to attend college after graduation, life circumstances led her down a different path. She began working as a secretary at the local high school, eventually serving as secretary to the superintendent. It was there that she discovered her natural talent and love for numbers, organization, and budgeting. Those skills shaped much of her professional life.

Marilyn was deeply rooted in her Lutheran faith and remained actively involved in the women’s guild at Fron Lutheran Church for many years. Whether there was a hotdish to prepare, a Jello mold to make, or a church event needing an extra helping hand, Marilyn was always there, quietly giving back to her church community with generosity and care.

While living outside Fulda on a dairy farm, Marilyn raised her four children as a single mother, instilling in each of them a remarkable work ethic, resilience, and sense of responsibility. Her love of gardening first grew from necessity as she worked to provide for her family, but over the years it became a true passion. She became highly skilled at canning and took pride in growing and preparing nearly every vegetable imaginable, though in her later years, she jokingly claimed she no longer cared to eat them herself.

Life eventually brought Marilyn and her young family to Starbuck, Minnesota, where she worked for many years at Starbuck Cement Products. Her attention to detail, organizational talents, and gift for working with budgets later led her to serve as the City Clerk for Starbuck, a position she faithfully held until her retirement.

Marilyn also found joy in quieter pursuits throughout her life. She became an avid reader who never missed the latest John Grisham or Danielle Steele novel, and she loved knitting, often keeping several projects going at once. Above all, Marilyn treasured her family and was grateful to be blessed with five grandchildren who brought her endless pride and happiness throughout the years.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Teresa Brannigan (husband, Pat), Susan Nelson (husband, Steven), and Paul Malenke (wife, Michelle); her daughter-in-law, Mary Malenke; and her grandchildren, Paul, Robert, Leann, Megan, and Nathan.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, David Malenke.

A service to celebrate and remember Marilyn’s life may be announced at a later date.

An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com

Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is honored to serve the family.