Marilyn Ann Windschitl

Marilyn Ann (Woldengen) Windschitl

Marilyn was born on the farm in Franklin, MN to Clarence and Anna (Weinzetl) Woldengen. After graduating from Fairfax High School, as salutatorian, in 1957, she attended Mankato State to become an elementary teacher. On a hot, August 4th, 1959, she married Raymond Windschitl at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Fairfax. She began her teaching career in Gibbon with 3rd graders in 1959-61. She then accepted a teaching job in Fairfax, teaching 5th graders, from 1961-77. In 1977, she and Ray moved to Detroit Lakes. In 1978, after subbing for a year, she got a job teaching 6th graders in Frazee. During her tenure in Frazee, she made many memories including taking students to meet Michael Jordan, and field trips to the Twin Cities. She retired from teaching in 1998 after 20 years in Frazee and a total of 38 years teaching. She was a member of Catholic Daughters (1977 to present) and Catholic Aid Association (1939 to present). She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa from 1992 until present. She was active in MEA/NEA and FEA, serving as president for a time. She was also a member of the Retired Educators organization. She was nominated for Who's Who in American teachers in 2004, 2005 and 2006. She won the distinctive honor of Teacher-of-the-Year while in Frazee, in 1988. She received the Golden Apple Achiever Award in 1992, also in Frazee.

Faith, family, and friends were important to Marilyn. She was an active member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Fairfax including American Legion Auxiliary (1959-1977) and VFW Auxiliary (1962-1977), holding several offices in those organizations. After the move to Detroit Lakes, she became very involved in Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She was a member of Catholic Daughters, taught Bible Study classes and regularly prayed the Rosary at home and at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She served as a parish board member. She also organized the greeter program beginning in 1998. She enjoyed playing cards on Tuesday afternoons, at church.

She was a talented gardener and had many flowers blooming in succession around their home on Long Lake. She enjoyed tending to the flower gardens and would often sit on the deck, on the lake side, and admire their beauty. She brought her love of gardening to Holy Rosary by weeding some of the flower gardens around church and encouraged others to join her.

She also enjoyed singing in church. She was a long-time member of Joyful Noise (1977 to 2016) then Magnificat and Resurrection Choir. Singing was in her blood as she could often be heard harmonizing from the pew, wherever she sat.

She was a faithful Mass attendee in Texas during the times that she and Ray were wintering there. They parked their camper in New Braunfels and later in Raymondville, for 20+ years. She was on the Hill Country Park board in New Braunfels. In Raymondville, she participated in many forms of entertainment, but Jam Sessions were her favorite.

Besides being "winter Texans", they enjoyed many travel experiences. They went to China, Austria, Norway, Canada, Mexico, the east coast, and the west coast. She wanted to go to Alaska since her dad used to tell stories about his time in Alaska, but she never made it there. No matter where she would go, she would find people that she had something in common with and they soon felt like they had known each other for years. She was always happy to meet a fellow Catholic in her travels.

In 2020, Marilyn broke her hip and was subsequently diagnosed with Alzheimer's Dementia. She was at home for the first two years and had a special friend to help take care of her, allowing her to remain there. The family appreciates all the very special love and care shown by Deb Oines. She passed from this world into the arms of her Savior at 87 years old, while she was in Ecumen, The Cottage, Detroit Lakes, which was her home since August of 2023. The family is deeply appreciative of the love shown by all of the staff at The Cottage. She was treasured like family. We would also like to thank Vivie Hospice for their kind, compassionate care of our mother. They went above and beyond.

Marilyn enjoyed writing stories and encouraged her family and students to do the same. In 2021, she wrote stories for a book about her life, called "Marilyn Windschitl: A Life Full of Blessings". Then she gave all of her siblings and children/grandchildren a copy of the book as an early Christmas gift. Those are memories her family will cherish. She remarked that she would like to be remembered for the positive impact that she had on her family and students. She wanted them to have memorable experiences as a result of spending time together.

She and Ray have four children; Jolene Johnson, Jeff Windschitl, LeAnn (Tim) Burke and Paula (Jeremy) Bimberg. Also surviving are six grandchildren; Josh (Holly) Burke, Brock Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, Jessica (Rory) Olson, Jonah Windschitl (Marie Champeau) and Brittney (Charlie) Wals. Marilyn had ten great grandchildren; Conner Burke, Dawson Burke, Olivia Windschitl, Nataleigh Olson, Hudson Olson, Asher Olson, Kinsley Olson, EmmaRaine Champeau, Oaklynn Wals and Harrison Windschitl.

Marilyn is further survived by two brothers and three sisters; including Ron (Karol) Woldengen, Bill (Linda) Woldengen, Barb (Mike) Freitag, Mary Freitag, and Kathy (Phil) Bowman as well as many nieces, nephews, and good friends.

Preceding Marilyn in death were; her beloved husband: Ray, her parents; Clarence and Anna Woldengen, parents- in-law; Fred and Catherine Windschitl, grandson; Justin Windschitl, as well as an infant child and an infant granddaughter; Ariel and infant grandson;Tucker who were all born sleeping.

There will be a visitation at David-Donehower Funeral Home on Thursday, September 24th from 4:00 - 7:30 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, September 25th at 12:00 pm at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Viewing will be one hour prior to the service. David-Donehower Funeral Home is helping with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes or to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Marilyn.