Marilyn Annette (Myrah) Bunge, 96, of Preston, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, at Green Lea Senior Living in Mabel, Minn. She was surrounded by her family’s love and supported by the caring staff at Green Lea and St. Croix Hospice.
A celebration of life will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, Minn., on July 29, 2026. Fellowship will begin at 1 p.m., with the celebration at 2 p.m., followed by dessert, coffee, and more visiting. Marilyn asked that memorial gifts be directed to Christ Lutheran Church or Luther College’s Bunge Family Scholarship Fund.
Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Preston is assisting the family.
Marilyn was born in Spring Grove, Minn., on March 29, 1930, to Lorentz and Sigrid (Glasrud) Myrah. She was big sister, guide, counselor, and steady rock to brothers Edward, Leonard and David. She helped them navigate life on the family farm and beyond. She graduated from Luther College (Decorah, Iowa) in 1951. From that time forward, she never missed an opportunity to encourage young people to attend Luther.
In 1954 she married Waldo Bunge and was his North Star until his passing in 2004. Their family grew: Andrew in 1954, Mary in 1957, and Eric in 1961. Always a “farm girl” at heart, she nurtured her brood and taught them to love and care for God’s creatures and creation on their small farm perched on a hill overlooking Preston. The farm and home served as Grand Central Station for a long and full train of family, friends, and people from all walks of life and all corners of the world. Many may have arrived as strangers, but nearly all departed as one more member of the extended family.
Together with Waldo and their children, the family opened the Cottage House Inn in 1993, welcoming guests to Lanesboro, Minn. All of Marilyn’s grandchildren grew up learning how to spotlessly clean while providing warmth and comfort to all who came in the door.
Marilyn exemplified and entreated others to love one another, accept people for who they are, and to live as citizens of the world. She also made sure to remind people to tell the truth and to keep promises. Her love of music began early. She started piano lessons in second grade and didn’t stop playing the piano or the church organ until her failing eyesight made it impossible to read the notes on the page. She was Christ Lutheran’s organist for over 50 years beginning in 1966. Marilyn rarely missed an opportunity to write and send cards to her host of loved ones for any number of occasions.
Faith, family, friendship, service to God, service to others, and service to community were Marilyn’s hallmarks. She will be missed, but she is not missing. Her legacy lives on, manifested in the lives and service of all she influenced throughout her long life. Marilyn fought the good fight; she finished the race; she kept the faith.
Martha Mensink Oskvig says
So many fond times with your parents over the past years: blessed be your memories!
Katrina Tienter says
Sending my condolences and well wishes to the Bunge family. Marilyn was a wonderful woman and I was so blessed to have Waldo & Marilyn as my first bosses through the Cottage House! They set the bar high and I think of them both often. We were all blessed to have Marilyn in our lives and she will be greatly missed. Love to the Bunge crew!
Kathy Bolin says
The Lutheran Church in Colombia South America is a Companion Church of the SEMN Synod of the ELCA. Marilyn was deeply committed to the Lutheran Church in Colombia South America. I am not sure how many trips she made to visit sister congregations there. Marilyn was on one of the trips that I was on to Colombia in October 2007. I was the part time Global Missions Director for the SEMN Synod at the time. Marilyn’s love for these people was real and sincere. It was a joy to know Marilyn through the work of the church and as a friend. She was a wonderful support for me when I worked at the SEMN Synod. She was gift to all her knew her.
Michael Halvorson says
My Deepest Sympathy to the Family 🙏
Steve Arnold says
I was very fond of Marilyn. She was a great leader of the Roof River Singers and an accomplished accompanist for me on many solos. I will miss her sharp wit and helpful personality.
Joyce Hegseth at Elysian Senior Living Lake City, MN says
Marilyn was a H.S. classmate and food friend of my husband, Orville Hegseth in Spring Grove. Her cousin, Eloise Myrah, was my best friend in college at Winona. I went to Spring Grove to teach and met Orville. We got married. Sigrid, Marilyn’s mother also taught. She and Anna Solum gave a Bridal Shower for me. Marilyn, Eloise and I had so many good times together. The last time I saw Marilyn may have been at Earl Hoff’s Memorial SDervice. I am not sure. Orville passed away in 2021 when both of us got Covid! I struggled, but made it to 95, which I am now. I can remember Marilyn having poor eyesight. I do too… We both went to Mayo for treatments. I am so sorry to not have been able to see Marilyn lately, but so would Orville have been! We also miss our dear friend Eloise. These kind, loving ladies are in my fondest memories forever! My very deepest sympathy to all of you. God Bless.