Marilyn Kay Chell, of Corcoran, MN passed away peacefully on March 28th, 2026, surrounded by her family at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 77 years old.

Born on January 27th, 1949, to Arne and Elsie Fause, Marilyn grew up in Duluth, MN. She came from a close and loving home, which is especially apparent from the deep, lifelong bond she shared with her sister Rosanne and brother Charlie. Marilyn attended Morgan Park High School before ultimately moving to Cloquet, where she lived most of her life.

Marilyn spent over twenty years working for Potlatch (Sappi) in Cloquet, MN – the defining chapter of her career, where she rose to the Director of Customer Service, overseeing multiple teams. She embraced every challenge with the same spirit she brought to life – savoring the successes along the way, but treasuring above all the lifelong friendships she built throughout her career.

Marilyn had many passions, none greater than her lifelong love of golf, and she spent many years as a member of the Cloquet Country Club. She loved traveling, especially the many golf trips she took with her family over the years. Marilyn also treasured her time outdoors, with countless wonderful memories made while hunting, fishing, and camping. Her favorite time of the year was Autumn, just as the leaves were changing colors. Her family will especially miss the way she lit up while in the woods, where she would inevitably say “just look at those beautiful leaves,” with a big smile on her face.

Marilyn will be forever missed and cherished by all who knew her. Inside and out, her beauty was apparent to those lucky enough to cross her path. She will be remembered as someone who always put others' needs ahead of her own, with a rare ability to make anyone feel like the most important person in the room. We will miss her enduring strength, drive and determination, tireless energy, graciousness, infectious laugh, fierce loyalty to her loved ones, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. Despite her many achievements, she was most proud of her family – especially her grandchildren.

Marilyn is survived by her devoted husband Steve; her sons Michael (Ann) Jacobson and Brett (Dan) Chell; her grandchildren Adison May, Danny Jacobson, and Macee Jacobson; her sister Rosanne (Peter) Hansen; and her nephews and nieces Kurt Christiansen, Jess (Annie) Pollard, Alison (Cale) Suominen, and Stefanie (Ross) Biebl. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arne and Elsie Fause; her beloved daughter, Julie (Jacobson) May; and her brother, Charlie Fause.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Marilyn and her brother Charlie on Sunday, April 19th, from 12–4 PM at Northland Country Club in Duluth, MN. Visitation will be held from 12–1 PM, followed by the Celebration of Life ceremony at 1 PM, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Marilyn’s memory to the American Cancer Society. Donations can be made at: https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaigns/In-Loving-Memory-of-Marilyn-Chell

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Wadhwa and his team for their dedicated care throughout Marilyn's treatment, and to the doctors and nursing staff at Methodist Hospital, whose compassion and kindness brought great comfort to Marilyn and her family in her final days.