Obituary of Marilyn Wilhelm

Marilyn Bangtson Wilhelm, 88, died on Thursday, April 12, 2018, from complications of congestive heart failure. She was a resident on Woman Lake near Hackensack, MN. A feisty, opinionated woman and avid reader, she will surely be missed. Marilyn was born on March 30, 1930, and raised in Willmar, MN. She graduated from high school in 1948 and then graduated from St. Cloud State Teachers College in 1951 with an English degree and teaching certificate. She was also elected into the collegiate society of Who's Who of American Students that same year. For the next 34 years she taught high school English. Her early years were spent at East Chain Consolidated School outside of Fairmont, MN. The next 21 years were spent at Abraham Lincoln Senior High School, Bloomington, MN, and after the school's closing she finished her tenure at John F. Kennedy Senior High School, Bloomington, MN. Affectionately known as Sarge, teaching was her forte and she found creative ways to make it work. She was a National Honor Society advisor at Lincoln and often planned and executed events for the organization. Marilyn retired in 1985, a recipient of the nationally recognized Excellence in Education Award. Marilyn and her husband then moved to Woman Lake, near Hackensack, MN, where they spent the next 22 years living between Fountain Hills, AZ, and the lake. For many of her retirement years, Marilyn was an active golfer who belonged to Tianna Country Club in Walker, MN. She served as an officer in the Ladies Golf Association for most of the 1990’s. As life-long Minnesota Vikings Fans, Marilyn and her husband Bill would often be spotted tailgating at the old Bloomington stadium before waddling to the gates in snowmobile suits and heavy blankets. This was a regular part of their Sunday agenda, as it was for their only child Val, who really had no choice and came to love the experience. Go Fran Tarkenton and the Purple People Eaters! Marilyn was very proud of her daughter's musical accomplishments as a harpist, pianist and vocalist. She also looked forward to the grandchildren's visits in the summer. Marilyn is survived by her daughter Valeria Linn Hackensack, MN; grandchildren John Linn Newark, DE; Leslie Linn New Castle, DE; great-grandchildren Lila and Logan; and sister LaVaughn Bangtson St.Cloud, MN. Preceded in death by husband of 56 years Bill; son-in-law Daniel Linn; parents Glen and Violet Bangtson; and sister LaVerne McDonald. Private services at a later date. Interment will take place at Lakewood Cemetery Mausoleum in Minneapolis and near her beloved Woman Lake. You were always my shelter from the storm. I'll miss you Mom.