Marianne Morrill

Marianne Morrill, age 82, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Ortonville Area Health Services Hospital.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN, Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. We will depart from the church at 1:00 p.m. for the inurnment at Clinton City Cemetery in Clinton, MN.

Marianne (Behlings) Morrill was born on August 9, 1942, in Milbank, SD, to Arnold and Mary (Jann) Behlings. She grew up in the communities of Revillo, SD, and Milbank, SD, where she graduated from Milbank High School.

On September 26, 1964, Marianne married Donald L. Morrill at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank. Together, they embraced a life of hard work and commitment, becoming grain farmers in rural Clinton, MN, where they nurtured not only their land but also their family. Marianne’s love and dedication knew no bounds as she raised her two children: daughter, Debra, and son, Dan, instilling in them the values of kindness, community, and faith that she held dear.

In their retirement, Marianne and Don found joy in their winters at Sunflower Resort in Surprise, AZ, engaging in activities that brought her immense happiness. They later moved to a townhome in Ortonville, MN, where Marianne continued to lead a life rich in community engagement and service. In January of 2025, she moved into Fairway View, where she was lovingly cared for in her final months.

A lifelong member of the Lutheran faith, Marianne was confirmed at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank and participated actively in various congregations throughout her life, including Elim Lutheran Church in Clinton, MN, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Chokio, MN, and American Lutheran Church in Sun City, AZ. Most recently, she belonged to First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville, where her warmth and devotion touched the hearts of many. Marianne also demonstrated her love for her community by serving as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Marianne's spirit of service shone brightly as she volunteered at local food banks in Surprise and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Elim Lutheran Church, fostering a love of faith in the next generation. Her involvement with the community extended to Girl Scout cookie sales and rummage sales, where her generous heart and enthusiasm made a lasting impact. Marianne also demonstrated her love for her community by serving as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a member of the Bowling Gang and an avid card player, particularly fond of Bridge, and embraced every opportunity for fellowship and fun. Marianne had a passion for cooking, entertaining, reading, and gardening, filling her home with love and laughter.

Left to cherish Marianne’s memory are her daughter, Debra Morrill of Baraboo, WI; son, Dan (Jodi) Morrill of Clinton, MN; two granddaughters: Paige and Blair Morrill of Clinton, MN; sister-in-law, Marlene Morrill of Redmond, WA; 19 nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Morrill, in 2015; parents, Arnold and Mary Behlings; sisters: Kathleen (Harlan) Drube; and Susan Behlings; brother, Arlo Behlings, in infancy; nephew, Joel Drube; niece, Jill Morrill; father and mother-in-law, Cecil and Agnes (Christeson) Morrill; brothers-in-law: Leonard (Joan) Morrill, Richard (Betty) Morrill, and Roger Morrill; and sister-in-law, Karen (Harlen) Nelson.