Marilyn Roesler
Roesler, Marilyn
Marilyn Aga Roesler was born and raised in Alexandria, Minnesota, a small lake town in west central Minnesota that is surrounded by 200 lakes. Her parents, Ercel and Nora Aga also grew up there, leaving a strong family heritage. Marilyn attended the University of Minnesota, and then later graduated with a BS degree in Education from St Cloud State College. Marilyn married John Roesler in 1967 (they celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this past June). They lived in Lake Crystal, MN, Mahtomedi, MN and St Louis Park, MN before moving to Arizona. Their three sons Michael, Robb and Peter were all born at Northwestern Hospital in Mpls. The family moved to Arizona in 1980. Marilyn embraced her new state from the get-go. Hiking in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve near her home became a regular part of her weekly routine for many years. Marilyn treasured her family and friends. She adored her 4 grandchildren: Renee, Sadie, Cole, & Trinity. She loved to cook and entertain, putter with her flowers, and was an avid reader. Marilyn began teaching ESL to adults for Literacy Volunteers in 1999. Her students, from all over the world, became her friends and her passion for 16+ years. Marilyn was preceded in death by her brother "Dick" and her son Peter. She is survived by her husband John, sons Michael and Robb (Stefanie), sister Kathryn Lee (Bumper), brother Rob Drew, sister-in-law Fran Ras. Beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends are also left behind. Those closest to her heart are her grandchildren: Renee "Precious Girl", Sadie "Little Miss Sunshine", Cole Lovelett, "The Boy", and Trinity "Moon Girl". (I love you to the moon and back!) Marilyn kept a note on her refrigerator that read, "Be kind, have a good attitude...never give up." The family would like to thank Dr. Jeffery Isaacs, Cathy Paine, and their medical team for years of trusted care and service. Also Dr. Lauren Stegman from Phoenix Cyber Knife. NOTE: As only Marilyn could do, the above was written by her! As she referenced above, Marilyn loved to entertain. She requested that her family host a 'Marilyn Party' for friends & family to celebrate her life. The party will take place this Saturday, Nov 7th from 1p-5p at her home: 3545 E. North Ln., Phoenix, AZ 85028. Casual attire is encouraged. Marilyn also arranged for a service & celebration in her home town of Alexandria, MN, which will take place next summer on August 13, 2016 (5yr anniversary of her son Peter's passing). In Lieu of flowers, Marilyn asked that donations be made to Literacy Volunteers - http://www.literacyvolunteers-maricopa.org/.


Published in The Arizona Republic on Nov. 4, 2015