Marilyn T. Delander, age 84, of Roberts, WI, died peacefully in her home on August 19, 2016, surrounded by family and friends. 

Marilyn was born on November 10, 1931 to Ernest and Dora (Gavin) Hawkins. She grew up in Hammond, WI with her seven brothers, graduating from Hammond, WI. After graduation, she was united in marriage to Leon M. Delander on June 16, 1952 in Hammond, WI. Along with raising their 8 children: Mike, Matt, Diane, Mark, Pat, Nancy, Barbie, and Max, they farmed on their family farm until 1980. In 1984, they began ownership of a bar in Roberts, WI, which they appropriately named L & M’s Place. Their big Irish hearts were loved by many who were patrons of the bar, as well as by the rest of their family and friends. This loving nature and her big smile awarded Marilyn the title of the Roberts Good Neighbor of the Year. She took great pride in bringing a smile and being a helper to others, and did this through planting flowers around Roberts and sewing hundreds of mittens for children in the winter time. Her generosity and kindness will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Marilyn is survived by her children: Mike (Barb) Delander, Matt (Rebecca) Delander, Diane (Tom) Mulhollam, Mark (Laurie) Delander, Pat (Debbie) Delander, Nancy (Russ) Schultz, and Barbie (Jay) Newton; 28 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Leon; son, Max; parents, Dora and Ernest Hawkins; brothers: John, King, Paul, and Bill; and sister-in-law, Carmen.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Monday, August 22, 2016 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 211 E. Division St., River Falls, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 5 p.m. Interment will be at St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials given to the family will go towards “Mittens From Marilyn,” a future program through the St. Croix Central School District, started by the family in remembrance of Marilyn’s gracious talent of mitten-making.