Marilyn Muellner

Muellner, Marilyn L. Age 89 of White Bear Lake passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children and grandchildren in Tucson, AZ. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, James and is greatly missed by him and her 3 children: Jon Charles of Port Angeles, WA; Todd James (Jennifer) of Oro Valley, AZ, and Beth Ann (Martin Lubell) Muellner of Wooster, OH and her 5 grandchildren: Peri Muellner, Todd (Sara) Hickethier, Mathew (Layne) Muellner, Julien (Anna) Lubell & Xavier Lubell.

Marilyn is remembered for her kind and generous spirit. She grew up in St. Paul on Dale Street with her parents Charles and Loretta Ziniel and older brother David, where they spent winters skating on Como Lake and summers fishing and swimming. She never lost the beautiful smile and sparkling blue eyes glimpsed in the photos of these early years. She excelled at the piano and played for various family events and high school musicals at Washington High School, where she also met her husband, Jim. They were married in 1958 at Maternity of Mary in St. Paul. After high school, her nimble fingers brought success in her training as a legal secretary, landing her a job with the St. Paul attorney William R. Busch (one of Hubert H. Humphrey's lawyers). Her dedication and typing skills (115 words a minute!) allowed her to put her husband through college. Following the births of her children, Jon in '61, Todd in '62 and Beth in '65, her years as a full-time working mom became even busier with a move from St. Paul to an old farm in White Bear Lake in 1969, to which she gave the memorable nickname "Jimajotobe Acres."

Marilyn had boundless energy and patience, which came in handy being married to an entrepreneur who spent his free time converting the farmhouse into a modern structure over the course of about fifteen years. After her thirty-four-year stint with Mr. Busch, she spent the last five years of her working life as president of the Cart Services division of Smarte Carte Inc., which Jim and Marilyn sold in 1993. The couple then spent the next ten years traveling the world, visiting all corners of the globe, often with friends from White Bear. In 1998, Marilyn finally realized her own dream of furthering her education, earning a degree in Radio and TV Broadcasting from Brown Institute. She hosted the cable television show "Meeting Neighbors and Making Friends" for almost ten years, eventually retiring so that she could spend ample time with her beloved grandchildren, to whom she was deeply devoted. She treated them with precious love and attention, proud of the unique qualities of each, and was instrumental in enabling each of them to realize their dreams of education and home ownership. We are so blessed that she provided a glowing example of what a good human being can be. In the compassion, respect, empathy and love that shine forth from each of her grandchildren, we see a glimmer of Marilyn's radiant spirit and guidance.

Marilyn is remembered for giving of herself willingly to others, almost more than she gave to herself, and for that, she impacted each of us more than she could ever know. In White Bear she selflessly devoted herself to her family and beyond, becoming deeply involved in her community, especially at St. Mary's parish, school, and church. She served on the board of St. Mary's for 34 years and worked closely with Father Talbot at the end of his tenure, for example, to ensure the church's future in helping to finance its new roof. She never stopped dreaming that there would be women leaders and priests in her church and ardently hoped that she would live to see the first woman president. She was passionate about helping women in the community and served the East Metro Women's Council, renamed Solid Ground, for many years. One of her favorite projects was helping young mothers on their journeys to education and independence. She and Jim were also ardent supporters of the Children's Hospital Association through the Bald Eagle Guild, White Bears Arts Center and Lakeshore Players. She was a proud member of the Bald Eagle Women's Guild as well.

Marilyn believed that something greater would become the norm. May the hopeful spark that she carried with her light the flame for those of us whom she influenced, and may her dreams someday become reality. We love you mom!

Visitation Tuesday May 6th from 4-7 PM at MUELLER MEMORIAL-White Bear Lake, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave. at 3rd St. and 1 hour prior to Mass at church. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday at 11 am at St. Mary of the Lake Church, WBL. Interment Church Cemetery.