Mueller, Marilyn West Died on July 15, 2018 at the age of 87. Marilyn was born October 1, 1930, in Chicago to Lawrence and Edna West and grew up with her beloved older sister, Roberta ("Bobbie"). After living for a period in New Jersey, the family returned to Chicago in 1938, living in a fourplex with extended family at 66th and Honore. Marilyn spoke often of this happy childhood period. Marilyn graduated from Harper High School in 1948 and then attended the American Conservatory of Music, training to be a singer. With this background, Marilyn became an accomplished interpreter of classical art songs with a beautiful singing voice that stayed with her for most of her life. In the summers, the Wests would vacation in northern Wisconsin. During one family vacation in 1949, when the Wests were staying at the Anderson Hotel in Ephraim, Door County, Marilyn met her future husband, Don Mueller, at a square dance. It was love at first sight. Don moved to Chicago the following month to be near Marilyn, and they were married the following year on August 12, 1950. Don and Marilyn lived in Madison and Kenosha before moving to Minnesota in 1960. Marilyn was an accomplished homemaker, taking great pride in decorating the family home, cooking delicious meals, and making clothes for herself and her children. Marilyn and Don were members of Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, and after their move to Richfield in 1989, became active members of Oak Grove Lutheran Church. Marilyn loved singing in the church choirs. After the children were older, she resumed taking singing lessons, and began to give annual recitals. She also started teaching voice lessons as well. Marilyn was a dedicated and loving caregiver. When her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimers, Edna came to live with the family. Marilyn cared for her until her death in 1996. When her husband, Don, developed congestive heart failure, Marilyn became his primary caregiver for many years, until he passed away on July 1st. Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband. She is survived by her sister, "Bobbie," and her children Robert, Wendy, and Eric (Burton); by grandchildren Michael (Kirsten) and Christopher (Joanna); and great-grandchildren Adam, Ben and Bryce, as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 21 at Oak Grove Lutheran Church in Richfield, MN.

Published on July 22, 2018