Marlyn Evenstad

Marlyn Y. Evenstad, age 78, of Faribault, MN, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2015, at her home surrounded by her family after a long courageous battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Elk's Lodge in Faribault, followed by a reception until 5:00 p.m.

Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.

Marlyn Yvonne Johnson, the daughter of Alfred and Gladys (Winjum) Johnson, was born on February 28, 1937 in Thief River Falls, MN. Marlyn graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls and then attended the University of North Dakota and the College of Medical Technology in Minneapolis. On June 21, 1958 she was united in marriage to Larry Wayne Evenstad at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. They made many friends in the several cities that they lived in while Larry managed the local JCPenney's store. They settled in Faribault in 1970, while Marlyn raised her young family she still had time to volunteer her time and belonged to many clubs. She was a Cub Scout and Brownie leader, taught Bible School and was a Room Mother at Jefferson Elementary. She was an active member of Mrs. Jaycee's, serving twice as President, a board member of the District One Hospital Auxiliary for several years and a member of the Welcome Wagon. Many will remember her as one of the partners of The Window Box Gift Shop serving downtown Faribault for 20 years.

Marlyn's list of talents and hobbies were long, she loved to cook, sew, garden, read and played bridge with the same group for over 43 years. She loved to travel, going all over the U.S. and to over 14 Countries with family and friends. She will be remembered for all of her fun cocktail parties, showers and annual Christmas parties she had for friends and neighbors. She was a fun mom to Barry, Cory and Kelly, always willing to go play. For the past 31 years of her life she was the proud Grandma to her grandchildren, Megan, Chelsea, Barrett, Madison and Payton and her great granddaughter, Savannah. She loved taking them on fun adventures all over Minnesota, and following them through years of sports. She was happiest when she had them all laying on her couches and she could spoil them with homemade meals and treats.

Marlyn is survived by her loving husband Larry of 57 years; Son, Barry (Dawn) and his daughters Megan (Matt) and their daughter, Savannah, Chelsea (Andrew) and Barrett (Brogan), Son Cory (Nancy) and their daughters Madison and Payton, and by her daughter Kelly and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.