Marilyn M. Thompson

Beloved Mother and Grandmother, age 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 26, 2026.

Marilyn was born June 6, 1933, to Edward and Mildred M. (Arnold) Knoch in St. Paul, MN.

Marilyn was united in marriage to Marvin Thompson on February 5, 1954, at Grace Lutheran Church, South St. Paul. Marilyn and Marvin lived in South St. Paul until moving to Mankato to be near family in August 2007. During their time in South St. Paul, Marilyn and Marvin loved to get together with family, neighbors and friends. They especially enjoyed going to resorts in northern Minnesota for family vacations.

In 1977, to Marilyn’s great delight, they purchased their own lake property on Duck Lake, in the Park Rapids area. Over time, they built a modernized cabin and were able to retire to residing during the summer time at the lake cabin. They had many friends and relatives nearby to visit with. They enjoyed spending evenings fishing for panfish. They especially loved it when their children came to visit them at their cabin. Many wonderful family times were enjoyed “at Duck Lake”.

During the winters, they enjoyed traveling with Marilyn’s brother Richard in his RV to the southwest and for several years, traveled to Mustang Island for several weeks a winter with Marilyn’s brother Gene.

When home chores became a bit much, they sold their beloved home and cabin, and moved to Willow Brook in Mankato to be near their daughter, Susan. While there, they enjoyed going to the casino and playing cards.

Marvin died unexpectedly in November,2007. Afterwards, Marilyn continued to enjoy going to the casino, especially with her dear friend Marion and playing cards with her many friends at Willow Brook. During her free time, she loved to crochet and work crossword puzzles

Marilyn enjoyed crocheting and trips to the Casino. She loved spending time at the family cabin on Duck Lake and gathering with friends and family.

Marilyn is survived by two children, Susan (Howard) Piper and Mark (Roxanne) Thompson; 4 grandchildren, Brandon, Patti, Justin, and Misty; 9 great-grandchildren; dear friend, Marion Doyle; nieces, nephews, and also many other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by her loving husband, Marvin; parents, Edward and Mildred Knoch; and two brothers, Gene Knoch and Dick Knoch.

Special thanks to her wonderful caregivers at the Pillars and St. Croix Hospice in Mankato.