Marilyn Chafee

Marilyn Rae Chafee, a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 10, 2025, at age 83.

Marilyn was born on July 30, 1941, the third of four children to her devoted parents, Clement and Clara Shimon, and grew up on their family farm in Rolfe, Iowa. The Farm was her happy place - it's where she developed life-long passions for music, family, and her faith. She learned the importance of discipline and trying her absolute best - especially when it came to balancing responsibilities with school, band, choir, friends, family, and perhaps her favorite task - feeding and caring for their chickens. Her childhood set the stage for what would be a happy and fulfilling life dedicated to her family, her faith, and sharing her musical talents.

Marilyn met her soulmate, Jerome Chafee, at a ballroom dance. They married in 1963, bringing four beautiful children into the world with the same devotion and care shown by her parents. Marilyn and Jerry were blessed by 62 years of marriage - sharing their time, talent and efforts with their church, various music ensembles (church choir, bell choir, community band, Albert Lea Cantori, and The Stray Notes), friends, and family. Marilyn and Jerry were also blessed with five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchild were the lights of her life.

Marilyn was happiest surrounded by her entire family - often cooking and baking to ensure they knew how much they were loved. Scotcharoos, her signature dessert, (and the family's favorite) were enjoyed one last time with her when everyone gathered before she went to Heaven. It was a fitting tribute to Marilyn - spending her final days surrounded by family sharing a lifetime of laughter and memories.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Jerome; children, Janene (Brad) Lunning, Stephen Chafee, Rachel Chafee (Jim Gaylord), and Christine (Ryan) Dillenburg; grandchildren, Matthew (Abbey) Lunning, Claire Lunning, Brighton Chafee, and Liliana and Sydney Dillenburg; one great grandchild, Bennett Lunning; brother and sister-in-law, Raymond (Mary Lou) Shimon; sister-in-law Gwen Grotenhuis; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ginny (Lynn) Johnson; many nieces and nephews; and wonderful friend, Shirley Olsen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Carol (Paul) Waters; brother and sister-in-law, Ronald (Donna) Shimon; brother-in-law, Ivan Grotenhuis; and mother-in-law and father-in-law Vera Longman and Stephen Chafee.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Bonnerup Funeral Home in Albert Lea, MN with visitation one hour prior. Memorials in Marilyn's honor can be made to: American Parkinson Disease Association, PO Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306; Good Samaritan Foundation at 2335 E. 60th St. N, Sioux Falls, SD 57104-5069; and St. Croix Hospice, 2580 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Good Samaritan and St. Croix Hospice in Albert Lea for all the love given to Marilyn. They became her second family, and we are grateful for their unwavering compassion and care in her final years.

As Marilyn's wonderful friend, Shirley, shared, she is finally at peace, playing the piano and singing with the angels. Oh, how we wish there was a front row seat to that concert in Heaven.