Marilyn was born on March 8, 1934, in Winsted, Minnesota to Joseph and Clara (Sagstetter) Laxen. She was baptized and confirmed at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted.

On June 9, 1956, Marilyn M. Laxen and Leon E. Kegler were joined in holy marriage at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted. God blessed their marriage with a son and a daughter.

Marilyn was employed as a dental assistant, bookkeeper, and receptionist by Dr. Andrew Benassi until he moved in 1984. Marilyn was also employed by the St. Pius X Catholic Church as a bookkeeper and for a few years as a lunch aid for the Bryant Elementary School.

Marilyn enjoyed being outside planting and weeding her flower gardens, fishing, camping, traveling, playing cards, ballroom dancing, line dancing, square dancing, knitting, quilting, ceramics, watching the Twins, wintering in Texas and family gatherings. Marilyn was a lifelong member of St. Pius X Catholic Church serving as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the choir.

Marilyn is survived by two children, Kurt (Stephanie Flug) Kegler of Kenai, AK, and Lynn (Robert) Hoheisel of Zimmerman, MN. She has five grandchildren Carrie Kegler (Jon Kreuger) of Kenai, AK, Steven (Jennifer Joy) Kegler of Anchorage, AK, Rachel (Jake) Montague, of Coon Rapids, MN, Michael Hoheisel of Monticello, MN, and Ashley Hoheisel of Owatonna, MN. Four great-grandchildren: Caden and Ava Kegler of Alaska, Lillian and Izzy Montague of Minnesota and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Leon E. Kegler, parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law Albert A. & Anna M. (Zimmerman) Kegler, sibling and in-laws: Rosella “Sally” (Paul) Millerbernd, Arthur (Edie) Laxen, Edward Laxen, Elmerine “Ella” Laxen and Magdalen “Mixie” (Daniel) Schlagel.

Mass of Christian Burial for Marilyn M. Kegler will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will occur one hour prior to mass at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt. Father Charlie Friebohle will be the Celebrant. Interment will follow at Argo Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.