Marilyn Ann Brown

Marilyn Ann Brown, 80-year-old resident of Little Falls, passed away on Wednesday, November 13th at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Little Falls. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 19th at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Falls with Father Patrick Hoeft officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 18th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls. Funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 19th at 11:30 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Donations may be made to Linden Hill in Little Falls: 608 Highland Avenue, Little Falls, MN 56345 or the Parkinson’s Support Group in Baxter, MN: 6190 Fairview Dr., Baxter, MN 56425.

Marilyn Ann Distel was born on August 10, 1944, in Tiffin, Ohio, to the late Howard and Mary Ellen Distel. She cared for her children before pursuing employment as the Volunteer Coordinator for St. Gabriel’s Hospital followed by the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls. On September 3, 1966, she married the love of her life, Stephen J. Brown, in Tiffin, Ohio, and together they raised their four children. Marilyn was actively engaged in her community, with her greatest source of joy being a Little Falls historian. Marilyn researched, wrote and produced “Little Falls: Historic Downtown Walking & Driving Tour” book. She shared her love of history by giving tours of Linden Hill and decorating the mansions at Christmas. Her passions included collecting rocks, quilting, traveling to Guatemala and managing their hobby farm, all while cherishing moments spent with her family and grandchildren. She will forever be loved and dearly missed.

 Marilyn “Baca Ann” is survived by her devoted husband, Stephen J. Brown; sons, Stephen J. Brown, II (Helen Burgess) of Ann Arbor, MI; Aaron Brown (Aviva Brown) of Portland, OR; Jacob M. Brown (Shelly Brown) of Rochester, MN; and daughter, Sarah E. Brown-Jager (Jared Jager) of Eau Claire, WI; sister, Elaine Sendelbach (Mark Sendelbach) of Tiffin, OH; sisters-in-law, Kathy Distel and Jane Distel; and her nine loving grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Mary Ellen Distel, as well as her brothers, Keith and Steve Distel. 

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Cherishing the Memory and Celebrating the Life of Marilyn.