Marlyn Schroeder, 86, Kasson

Marlyn Ann Schroeder (nee Peterson), 86, of Kasson, died Nov. 28, 2020 of Alzheimer’s disease.
A graveside service was held for immediate family on Friday, Dec. 4 at Holden Lutheran Church, Kenyon, with Pastor Nirmala Reinschmidt of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Kasson, officiating.  Funeral arrangements were handled by Dibble Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Kasson.
Marlyn was born in Mower County, on Dec. 7, 1933 to Melvin and Iva (nee Miller) Peterson. Marlyn graduated from Austin High School, continued at Austin Community College and then transferred to the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Education in 1956. Marlyn was married to Rev. Clifford H. Schroeder on June 23, 1957; Cliff was her loving partner for 46 years.
Marlyn worked as a teacher for multiple schools including Kenyon and Blooming Prairie. Music was a central component of Marlyn’s life from a young age and she thoroughly enjoyed her role in the Austin (Minnesota) Symphony Orchestra for many years.  She also taught Suzuki method violin for many years, including instruction of her grandchildren. Marlyn was actively involved in many churches, and she served alongside Cliff at Holden & Dale Lutheran Churches (Kenyon/Wanamingo), First Lutheran Blooming Prairie and Zwingli United Church of Christ in Berne. Marlyn also participated in the Kasson-Mantorville community with St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Mantorville Senior Citizens Center, the Mantorville Restoration House and Theater Company.
Marlyn loved the outdoors and gardening and embraced all things perennial and annual.  Her yard was always a beautiful place; second only to the excellence of her homemade brownies and baked goods.  When she and Cliff moved to Mantorville, she eagerly participated in Olde Tyme Days, Marigold Days, Berne Swiss Fest and thoroughly enjoyed these annual celebrations. Marlyn served as Marigold Days Grand Marshall in 2007. She also held coordinating and leadership roles at the Mantorville Restoration Association and Senior Citizens.
Marlyn is survived by her sister Clarice (Keith) Anderson; sons Steven (Laura) of Mantorville, Clark (Summer Seldenkranz) of Stillwater, and Eric (Kim Harbinson) of St. Paul, several grandchildren, and one great-grandchild along with many other family and friends.
Marlyn was preceded in death by her parents Melvin and Iva and her husband Cliff.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Holden Lutheran Church Park (Kenyon, MN), Good Earth Village (Spring Valley, MN), Luther Seminary (St. Paul, MN) or the memorial of your choice.
The family of Marlyn & Cliff Schroeder wishes to thank the church communities of Holden, Dale, First Lutheran Blooming Prairie and Berne Zwingli for their long-standing support of Marlyn and her family. Marlyn’s family sincerely thanks and sends gratitude for the loving and compassionate staff at Prairie Meadows Senior Living Facility ant St. Croix Hospice where Marlyn received excellent personal care.