Marilyn M. Rieff

Marilyn Catherine Rieff, age 90, of North Mankato, passed away July 28, 2021.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato, with Father Paul van de Crommert officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 3, from 4-7:00 p.m. at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato and 1 hour before the service at church on Wednesday.

Marilyn was born July 16, 1931 in Mankato to Clarence and Valeria (Smasal) Michels. She graduated from Mankato High School. Marilyn was united in marriage to Lawrence Rieff on July 2, 1952 and spent 54 years together until Lawrence’s passing in 2006. Reaching 90 years old was a major milestone for Marilyn, given her health issues over the past 6 years, but she moved on and persevered.

Marilyn worked 20 years as a certified optician for Drs. Dorland and Carlson. She loved to play cards and had weekly card games on her calendar. Marilyn’s life was full by keeping up with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved her flowers and tending to her gardens, which she did until last year.  Marilyn loved to travel, always clearing her calendar for her next adventure.

Marilyn is survived by her eight children, Thomas (June) Rieff, Catherine (Patrick Touhey) Rieff, Nicholas (Lorri) Rieff, Ann (Tom Wolf) Rieff, Mary Jo (Peter Collins) Moore, Patricia Rieff, James (Darci Michels) Rieff and Elizabeth (Peter) Goettl; nine grandchildren, Valerie Rieff, Nicholas Rieff II, Megan Moore, Brian (Michelle) Wolf, Scott Wolf, Katie Rieff, Ashley (Phillip Spruit) Rieff, Nicole Fox, Mitchell (Chelsey) Goettl; seven great-grandchildren; and her brother, Roger Michels; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; her parents; twin grandsons Robert & Charles; in-laws; Elaine Michels, Victor & Margaret Peters, Roy & Marcella Lukken, Ray & Patricia Reinbold, and Henry “Buck” & Margaret Rieff.