Marilyn L. Eastep, formerly of North Branch, Minnesota, passed away on Feb. 13, 2024, in New Richmond, Wisconsin, at the age of 89.
Marilyn was born May 12, 1934, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Elmer and Mabel Nelson. She graduated from Johnson High School in 1952. After high school she attended Mounds Midway School of Nursing. Upon graduation, she worked at White Earth Indian Reservation where she helped deliver many babies into the world.
In 1959 Marilyn married John Eastep. They raised eight children, residing first in St. Paul from 1976–1995, then on a hobby farm in North Branch. While in North Branch, Marilyn served multiple years on the North Branch school board, obtained a bachelor’s degree from Metro State University, attended Kost Evangelical Free Church and worked as a nurse in Cambridge, Minnesota. Marilyn and John enjoyed their retirement years on a small lake near Danbury, Wisconsin, where they provided years of wonderful experiences and lifetime memories for their children and grandchildren.
Marilyn had a lifelong loving relationship with Jesus and committed to memory many Bible verses and old hymns of the faith, which she constantly drew upon until her final day on Earth. Those who were with her often had the privilege to hear her share a Bible verse and enjoy her lovely voice break out in song, which brought joy and encouragement to any situation. Marilyn very much enjoyed raising her eight children, spending time with her grandchildren, cross-country skiing, listening to and feeding birds, reading and playing Scrabble and Rook.
She is survived by her sister, Judy Carlson (Timothy) and her brother, Timothy Nelson, as well as her eight children and their spouses: Steve (Peggy) of Duluth, Julie Redmond of Richfield, Bryan (Stacey) of Hutchinson, Nancy Eastep of Oakland, California, Janine Eastep of Hopkins, Kathryn Eastep of Minneapolis, David (Tammy) of Winona, Michael (Amy) of New Richmond; 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at the Kost Evangelical Free Church in Kost. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
