Ishpeming- Marilyn F. Anderson

Kind, curious, and fiercely independent, Marilyn Anderson passed away on September 18. She was 96 years old and grateful to have remained in her own home, where she enjoyed visiting with family, reading, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Marilyn has born in Crystal Falls, Michigan, in 1930 to parents Toivo and Marcella Ronquist. She married Richard Argall and together they raised three boys in Ishpeming’s Eighth Edition, where Richard built the family home. As anyone who knew Paul, Gerald, and Larry will tell you, the trio loved their mother wholeheartedly. They also loved to test her patience.

When Richard died at age 47, Marilyn’s resilience – a trait she’d demonstrate for years to come – kicked in. She finished getting the boys off to college, joined the workforce, and found love a second time, marrying Robert Anderson. She and Bob traveled south in their motorhome and even took a train to Alaska, inspiring a love of adventure in future generations.

In the years that followed, Marilyn lost Bob and later two of her sons, Paul and Larry. She was devastated, yet as her family continued to grow – eventually reaching into five generations – she found herself surrounded by even more people to love.

Marilyn had strong opinions. An exceptional memory. And unwavering love for her family.

She baked pies worth savoring. Always had a birthday card in the mail. And was ready with a big hug for anyone who’d visit.

For these reasons and so many more, she’ll be greatly missed.

In addition to two sons and two husbands, Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Shirley and Raymond Ronquist.

She is survived by, son Gerald (Shirley) Argall, sister, Karen Ronquist, daughters-in-law, Cathy and Heidi Argall, grandchildren, Brad (Karen Paris) Argall, Nicole (Brad Knapp) Argall, Michelle (Ryan) LaMere, Grant (Sarah Heinig) Argall, Alison Argall, Colleen (Joel Wilks) Argall, great grandchildren, Brett, Courtney, Phillip, Jack, and Will Argall; Ashley (Wyatt) Tull; Kaylee, Kirsten, and Hayden LaMere; Zachary Argall-Knapp; Christopher and Nicholas Miller; Liam and Ty Wilks, great-great grandchildren, Kade and Jett Tull, and many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was a longtime member of Eastern Star chapter #100 and Immanuel Lutheran Church. Her life will be celebrated at a private family gathering.

If anyone would like to honor her, the family requests donations be made to the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library at 317 N. Main Street, Ishpeming, MI 49849 or online at ishpeminglibrary.info/donate/ in memory of Marilyn.