Marion Helen Froehle

October 9, 1930 - January 23, 2022

Marion, known as "shorty" to her family and friends in her hometown of Melrose, MN, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2022, at the age of 91. She was born at home in Melrose, to John and Veronica (Spaeth) Ripka, and passed at Jones-Harrison Residence in Minneapolis. Marion is preceded in death by infant daughter Mary Theresa; husband of 51 years Wallace; sisters Marge (John), Gladys (Ron), and brothers Ken (Alice) and Joe (Maddy); parents John and Veronica Ripka. She is survived and celebrated by her children Paul and AnnMarie, her sister Arlene *Toots* (Ron), Sister-in-law Alice, many nieces and nephews, her neighbors from 67th Ave in Fridley and Ladyslipper Ave in Brooklyn Park, the Coachmen Caravan Camping Club, and all the people they met in every city along the way! And let's not forget, her grand dog, Jax. Marion was escorted to the dance floor of Heaven that day by Wally, who we are sure was waiting with a smile and his dancing shoes on. They met on a dance floor at the New Munich Ballroom, not too far from Melrose. Mom always laughed and said, he danced with everybody while she took a break, because she just couldn't keep up. Dancing was something they were always known for. They hosted Dance Club in their basement, whooped it up at weddings, and cut a rug at many Coachmen International Rally's across the country. They were fun to watch, and even more fun to dance with! Music and movement always accompanied our visits in these last years; it opened up memories, smiles and great conversations. She would tap her foot to the music, and always requested: "play something fast" or "play some rock and roll". So Big Band or 50's music on Pandora it was! When Moonlight Serenade would come on, she'd often remember old times, and talk of dancing with dad! And we would play cards for hours; her dealing was spot on, and she usually won! Kings in the corner anyone? Family travel started at an early age, when Paul started to compete in accordion competitions, and later Ann joined. We'd hop in the car and hit the road for national events and return with many trophies and lots of memories. As we got older, Christmas Carols or campsites became the usual place for Paul's accordion. And if we were ever with the camping club, a dance party always erupted. Marion was always ready for life's twists and turns. With a freezer full of strawberries and a pantry packed with supplies, she had a casserole up her sleeve, sloppy joes in the fridge and a sweet treat on the counter. Memories of long-ago huge family Thanksgiving dinners, card club and dance parties with fancy hors d'oeuvres will always linger in our minds! She taught us the love for entertaining and hospitality; the door was always open and there was always room for more. From her we learned that everybody is welcome, and heartbreak could be cured with strawberry shortcake or a DQ Buster Bar. She had her sewing machine at the ready for emergency pant hems or crazy costumes, and a knitting project next to every chair. All the while, she was planning her next garage sale! Twice a year, rain or shine, and sometimes wine! And in between those times she worked at Floral Affair, in Plymouth, MN. It started as helping her niece at holidays, which turned into a 9-5 job. She loved flowers, decorating, and helping customers choose the perfect bouquet for their occasion. Family fun times were had at Crow's Nest Resort on Long Lake in Wisconsin, at Enger's Campground on Big Eagle Lake, MN, camping with the Coachmen club, pontoon rides on Big Pine Lake in MN, or attending family functions. We could count on loads of laughs, food for days and memories to last a lifetime! She was sharp 'til the end, requesting her chocolate pudding, and telling her nurses of traveling with the Coachmen Camping Club and heading to the MN Twins Spring Training in Ft Myers. Wally and Marion were regulars at Twins games, and later, her tv was set to watch all the games. She loved the Circle Me Bert signs! We'd like to thank all of our family and friends for the cards they sent over the years, the visits at Jones-Harrison or St. Therese, and the quick notes on Facebook. Her face would light up as she'd show us her latest cards, and she knew how to pose for our weekly Facebook posts with Jax giving her love! Cheers mom! You taught us how to be the very best we can be! Those beautiful days of card games and music will live forever in our hearts! And you know Jax will miss the rides on your lap! Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery, January 31, 2022 at 1 p.m. meeting at Assembly Area #2.