Marilyn Esther Johnston Estrem was born July 19, 1938 in Willmar, MN. Her parents were Stanley Johnston and Gladys Chalmers Johnston. Marilyn grew up with one sister, Doris Johnston Brooks. Marilyn married John Carlisle Estrem on August 24, 1958. They had four children: LeAllan James, Karla Marie, Ethan Charles and Jonis Christopher.
Marilyn graduated from Decorah High School and Luther College in Decorah, IA. She majored in Business Education and Sociology. Her favorite job was when she had the opportunity to be a librarian. She loved being a wife and raising her four children. She was a stay-at-home Mom as much as she could. In about 1995 Marilyn started writing word puzzles, which were sent out once a week to family and friends. When she met Will Shortz, editor of the New York Times crossword puzzle, his influence helped Marilyn develop her own style.
Marilyn lived in four states. She and John traveled throughout the lower 48 states and 4 Canadian provinces. While traveling they took family photos, renewed friendships and accumulated historical information to update their families' histories. Marilyn's Ojibway name was Wandering Flower. Ojibway Grandma said Marilyn was like a stream flowing through life sharing her life with those around her. In her journey she listened and absorbed people's stories, histories and inner feelings.
Marilyn often said, "I am who I am."
Marilyn is survived by son LeAllan (Beth), daughter Karla (Mitch), and son Jonis (Mary). Grandchildren Julie Estrem, Eric Kraft (Martina), Angela Kraft (Brock), Ashton Booth and daughter-in-law Karla Estrem. Preceded in death by her parents, sister Doris Brooks, newborn sister Mary, husband John Estrem and son Ethan Estrem.
Marilyn died on December 26, 2024 at Maranatha Care Center in Brooklyn Center, MN. Memorial service will be on Tuesday, January 21 at 11 am with visitation 1 hour prior at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove, MN. Burial will be at North Washington Prairie Cemetery in rural Decorah, IA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Minnesota Landscape Arboretum or Decorah Public Library.
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