Marilyn Joan Gottwald

Marilyn J. Gottwald, 71, of Paynesville, died Tuesday, September 2nd at Bethesda Club Suites in Willmar after a courageous battle with cancer. Her memorial service will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 13th at Willmar Bible Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org

Marilyn Joan Gottwald was born on April 16, 1954, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Harry and Janet (Osterkamp) Gustafson. Marilyn grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1973.

After high school, Marilyn began working at Jennie-O Turkey Store in Willmar for several years. She later became a stay home mother to raise her children—a role she cherished deeply. On May 24, 1975, she married her husband of 50 years, Richard Gottwald, at Zion Free Lutheran Church in Willmar. Together, they made their home in Paynesville, Minnesota.

Marilyn later found meaningful work with the Presbyterian Family Foundation, where she dedicated nearly 20 years of compassionate service.

Marilyn had a love for creativity and quiet pastimes. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading, and especially traveling. Among her favorite destinations were Yellowstone National Park, Ashland, Wisconsin, and the Grand Tetons in Wyoming.

Above all, Marilyn treasured time spent with her family. Her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart, and she found great joy in being present in their lives.

Marilyn's kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Marilyn is survived by her husband: Richard; children: MaKayla (Lance) Deneffe of New Prague and Luke (Zoe) Gottwald of Nevis; grandchildren:  Eowyn “Wynn”, Oliver, and Luna Gottwald; siblings: Jerry (Pam) Gustafson, Bob (Marlene) Gustafson, Janice (John) Leuze, Sharon (Ross) Olson, Darla Oldfield, Renae (Paul) Jacobson, Lori (Chad Fadness) Winter; sister-in-law, Brenda Gustafson. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, James Gustafson; brother-in-law, Michael Oldfield; and nephews: Randy Knowlen and Jamie Gustafson.

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