Marilyn Marie Mullen

Marilyn Marie Mullen (Sather) was born August 29, 1954, in Graceville, Minnesota, to Reuben and Darleen (Cornelius) Sather. After a courageous two-year battle with cancer, Marilyn passed away in hospice at her home in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at age 72 surrounded by the love of her husband, sons, and sister. Marilyn grew up in New Effington, South Dakota with strong roots in family, faith, and farm life. She was baptized, confirmed, and later married at Faith Lutheran Church in New Effington. After graduating from New Effington High School (Go Tigers!), she continued her education at South Dakota State University and Watertown Vocational Technical Institute. On June 17, 1978, Marilyn married Paul Thomas Mullen of Minneapolis. For the next 48 years, they built a life together in St. Louis Park, raising their two sons, welcoming countless people into their home for comforting meals, and creating a place that was warm, welcoming and decorated colorfully with a playful Norwegian flair. Community was at the heart of Marilyn's life. She had a wonderful way of finding her people-and then making sure those people knew one another. Church communities, neighbors, coworkers, musicians, friends, and family all became part of the larger circle she built around herself. Her Christian faith was an important part of that life, first at Faith Lutheran and later through her communities at Peace Presbyterian Church in St. Louis Park and Hope Church in Richfield. Music was one of Marilyn's great joys and one of the ways she connected with the people around her. She played piano at home, sang in a local women's choir, and found particular joy in her Hopkins Ukulele Group (The HUGs). Whenever she sat at the piano you knew she was happy - surrounded by family or friends and most likely about to share a meal. That same spirit carried into nearly everything she did and Marilyn believed in showing up. She showed up for her family, her faith communities, her friends, her clients and coworkers at Focus Financial, and the many groups and friendships she collected throughout her life. She loved being part of things, bringing people together, and making people feel like they belonged. We all knew to look for hidden Gnomes she would plant on us to celebrate Syttende Mai (Norwegian Constitution Day) which was just one of her many playful acts of love. Marilyn loved so many people, in so many different corners of her life, and she was deeply loved in return. Her legacy can be found not only in her family, but in the communities she helped create and show up for. This was especially apparent after her diagnosis with the outpouring of support from her people. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable hospice team at HealthPartners for the compassionate care they provided to Marilyn in her final days. Their kindness, dedication, experience and support brought comfort to Marilyn and her family during an incredibly important time, and their care will never be forgotten. Marilyn is survived by her husband, Paul Mullen of St. Louis Park; her sons, Colin (Laura) Mullen of Duluth and Eric (Kelley) Mullen of Bloomington; and her granddaughter, Adella Mullen of Duluth. She is also survived by her sister, Cindy Sather of Houston, Texas, and niece Madelon Benzuly. Marilyn is further survived by her beloved Mullen family nieces & nephews. Nieces, Thea (Joel), Dena (Ben) Pearson, Sarah (David) Schuleter, Keiko Yamaguchi (Troy), Olivia Pepper (Aaron), Terri Mullen, Kristin (Chris) Gardner, Meghan Mullen, and Maddie Mullen; and her nephews, Mark Mullen, Josh (Erika) Mullen, Chris (Jennifer) Mullen, Morgan (Hannah) Pepper, Scout Pepper, Jim (Katy) Mullen, John (Greta) Mullen, and Matt (Cassie) Mullen. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Reuben and Darleen Sather; her brother, Larry Sather; and her nieces, Andrea and Erin Mullen. Charity and giving to others in need was a core value for her, Paul, and their family. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family invites those wishing to honor Marilyn's memory to make a donation to a beloved charity of their choice. We (especially Paul) would love to hear about it! Because Marilyn was so beloved in two states there will be two celebration of life services: October 2, 2026 Family Visitation at 10a ' Service at 11a Hope Presbyterian Church 7132 Portland Avenue Richfield, MN 55423 October 4, 2026 Service at 1p Faith Lutheran Church 24 Oddin Avenue New Effington, SD 57255 Celebratory gatherings with refreshments will take place directly after both services.

Marilyn Marie Mullen

August 29, 1954 - September 2, 2026

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