Marlene M. Thul

Marlene Mary Thul, age 90, of Mankato and formerly of Vernon Center passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2026 at Mayo Clinic Health System-Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Mapleton, MN. Visitation is from 9:30-10:30 at the church, followed by Mass at 11:00. Private family burial at St. Matthew’s Cemetery in Vernon Center. Northview – North Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Marlene was born July 31, 1936, in Mankato, MN to William Henry and Rose Margaret (Reichel) Otto. She attended Saints Peter & Paul Grade School and was a 1954 graduate of Loyola High School.

On December 26, 1956, she married Vincent Joseph Thul at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. The couple lived in Vernon Center for 39 years and were members of St. Matthew Catholic Church. Marlene was a member of the CCW, taught religion, and was always willing to volunteer at the church. In addition to working outside the home, she found time to be a Cub Scout and 4-H leader. She loved attending events at the school for her children and grandchildren.

Marlene was a kind soul, her faith and family came first, and she was always willing to help a friend. She enjoyed baking, playing cards, reading books, word puzzles, quilting and embroidery, thrifting and collecting Hall teapots. She was a gracious hostess, served delicious meals and welcomed visits from family and friends.

Marlene is survived by her eight cherished children, Donna Marie (Dale) Manthei of Rochester, Julie Ann (Michael) Kaufman of Lakeville, Mary Kay Steele of Lakeville, Michael (Karen) Thul of Portland, Oregon, Roselyn (Robert) Pavel of St. Cloud, Gerald (Sue) Thul of Mankato, Elizabeth (Jason) Hulburt of Roswell, Georgia, and Barbara (Roger) Tonn of Willow Creek; 15 favorite grandchildren, Alison Manthei (Michael Benike), Ryan (Lisa) Kaufman, Melanie (Andrew) Bryant, Eric Steele, Evan (Abby) Steele, Austin Thul, Haley (Joey) Spiegelberg, Jacob Pavel (Denielle Bode), Anne (Mitch) Voight, Kate Thul, Nicholas (Isabella) Thul, Alyssa (Michael) Linden, Ashley (Will) Handley, Kevin (Samantha) Tonn, Jared (Angela) Tonn; seventeen precious great-grandchildren, Owen and Willa Kaufman, Ava Bryant, Kennedy and Wyatt Steele, Louise Spiegelberg, Madalyn and Emily Voight, Norah Blanck, Nolan Thul, Lydian and Dashiel Linden, Gwenyth and Eleanor Handley, Luna Tonn, Amelia and Henry Tonn; her sister, Pat Roesch; brother-in-law, Allyn Kimball; and many nieces and nephews.

Marlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years; her parents; son-in-law, John Steele; her sister, Adelinda (Marvin) Peters; brother, William J. (Viola) Otto; brother-in-law, Raymond Roesch; and her in-laws, Nicholas and Veronica (Good) Thul; Vera (Ken) Grimes, Dean (Mary) Thul, Marcy (Ernie) Doyle, Kay (Floyd) Resner, Nick (Shirley) Thul, and Margaret Kimball.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Pathstone Crossing and the ER staff at Mayo Clinic Health System-Mankato for the excellent care they provided for Marlene.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St Matthew’s Cemetery or the SCHOLA Foundation (Vincent & Marlene Thul Scholarship Fund).