Marvel Nota Prahl, 79, passed away peacefully at her home with her loving family by her side, on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Marvel was born on April 6, 1945 in San Jose, California. Her family moved to Ely, MN in 1961 when she was a junior in High School. She met her husband of 54 years, Ronald, and moved to Winton, MN, where they started a family and had three children, Jon, Deb, and Rhonda.

In her 40s, Marvel went to college to obtain her degree in Human Services. She found her passion in being a family advocate for the Headstart program.

Marvel was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church in Ely, MN, coordinating the Prayer Chain for many years. For most of her adult life, Marvel volunteered in numerous organizations, most notably Range Women's Advocates and Ely Community Resources. Because of Marvel's significant achievements and exceptional qualities, she won a prestigious "Leadership Award" in 2005. 

Marvel enjoyed morning coffee on the deck, gardening, reading, and computer time. Her family was her greatest joy and she spent as much time as possible with them. She really loved going on trips with "her girls." She touched many hearts in her lifetime, and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her brother, Mark, her beloved daughters, Debbie, Rhonda (Scott), her precious grandchildren, Amanda (John), Ryan (Samantha), her adored great grandsons, Maddux and Beau. Two nieces, Candy (Jason) and Carrie (Jason), two nephews, Darin and Kevin, and the son of her heart, Gary Jerich. Special friends, Nancy Gaither, Mike Meskill, Joe and Mary Schwinghamer, and numerous other cherished friends.

Marvel was preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Florence (Bethke) Buckhardt, her husband Ronald, her son Jonathan Prahl, and her grandson, Jonathan Maki.

Funeral services will be held at the Grace Lutheran Church in Ely, MN, on Saturday, July 13 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Lunch will be served at the Church, immediately following the service. Memorials preferred.