Marilyn McAtee, 87, of Brainerd, left this life to join her heavenly family on Nov 3rd, 2020.
She was born on July 14th, 1933 in Madelia, MN to Harold and Della (White) Johnson. When Marilyn was in high school the family moved to Estelline, SD, where Marilyn met and began dating her eventual husband, Gary. The high school sweethearts were married in Estelline on March 8, 1952.
While being the very busy mother of 5 boys, Marilyn was also able to manage multiple moves over the years. The McAtee family moved from SD to CA, to ND, back to SD, to MN, to NM, to IA and finally back to MN. Marilyn became an expert at seamlessly transitioning the family from one location to another with each move.
Marilyn worked with Gary in the family business ventures over the years, including sharing his passion for the bakery business. She also worked as a switchboard operator for the Northern Iowa Medical facility while living in Mason City, Iowa.
Marilyn was an avid collector of antiques of all sorts, figurines, and fine art. She had exquisite taste and took great pride in being able to discover hidden gems at local yard sales.
Marilyn is preceded in death by son, Sean in 1993; and husband, Gary in 2010. She is survived by loving sons, Gregory (Connie), Brian (Kristie), Scott (LeeRae), and Joel; grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, and sisters, Jerry and Audrey.
The family would like to thank Marilyn’s hospice team, and also the staff at Harmony House in Brainerd, MN, for the loving care that was provided to her.
Private burial services are planned for Spring of 2021, where Marilyn will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Gary in Watertown SD.
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