Marilyn J. Mickelson Barry, age 88, passed away on June 11, 2026. Born in Slayton, Minnesota, to Don and Laura (Schaffer) Busch. Marilyn grew up in the Hadley and Slayton communities, where she attended school and graduated surrounded by lifelong friends and familiar faces. In 1958, Marilyn married Charles Mickelson, and together they raised six children while building a life rooted in love, hard work, and family. Their journey took them through Avoca, Lake Wilson, Redwood Falls, and Wilmont, each community adding new friendships and memories. Charles passed away unexpectedly in 1982. With her faith, Marilyn met the loss with quiet courage and unwavering devotion to her children. During those years, she worked at the Wilmont Café, where her warmth and work ethic were well known. Determined to create a new path for herself and her family, Marilyn returned to college and earned her degree. She went on to complete her career at the Nobles County Courthouse, where she was respected for her dedication and steady presence. In 1989, Marilyn found love again and married Hilary Barry, and with their marriage came a beautifully blended family of sixteen children—a lively, loving group that grew into a legacy all its own. Marilyn held a special relationship with each member of her large family. She had a remarkable gift for making every child, grandchild, great‑grandchild, and their partners feel uniquely loved, welcomed, and valued. Her steady presence and personal connections will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Together, Marilyn and Hilary made their home in Lake Wilson, and most recently at Mapleview Estates in Fulda. Together they owned and operated Sunrise Resort and Head Lake Camp in Otter Tail County. Their time at the resort became a treasured chapter, filled with community, laughter, and the traditions that still bind the family today. It was at Sunrise Resort that the family began their beloved “Family Week” tradition, a time of gathering, storytelling, and togetherness that continues to be a highlight each year. Equally cherished is the annual “Soup and Pie Weekend,” a fall celebration that Marilyn helped shape with her signature warmth—and her unforgettable baking. Marilyn loved cooking and baking, but she was especially known for her homemade bread, a gift she shared generously with family and friends. She had a remarkable talent for making people feel remembered and valued, faithfully sending birthday and anniversary cards to her loved ones near and far. Her kindness was steady, her presence comforting, and her love for her family unwavering.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Hilary Barry; their sixteen children: Bob (Lori) Mickelson, Laurie (Dale) Ebbers, Pat (Jeneen) Mickelson, Mike (Christy) Mickelson, Mary (Jake) Dunn, Kathy (Mac) Minogue, Mark (Claudia) Barry, Scott Barry, Cindy (Larry) Parris, Carla (Mike) Baartman, Tammy Vos, Teresa (Dave) Affeldt, Bruce Barry, Amy Olson, Pat (Marcia) Barry, and Kim (Lee) Olson. She is also survived by 39 grandchildren, 71 great‑grandchildren, two great‑great‑grandchildren, and her siblings Nancy Woitaszewski and Jim Busch, brothersin- law Ralph Suprenant and Don Schmitz and many nieces and nephews. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles Mickelson, sisters Maxine Davis, Myrna Surprenant, and Arlene Schmitz, and brother-in-law Allan Woitaszewski.
Marilyn’s life was defined by her faith, resilience, generosity, and the deep joy she found in family. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she created the people she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched with her gentle heart. She was “perfeck” Funeral Services were held at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Peter Schuster officiating. The organist was Sharon Lais. The song leader was Sheila Crowley. The pallbearers were her grandchildren. Interment is Calvary Cemetery in Wilmont, MN.
Visitation was on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton from 4-6 p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.
