Marilyn E. Welfare, 87

Marilyn E. Welfare

Albert Lea (formerly of Blue Earth) Marilyn E. Welfare, age 87, formerly of Blue Earth passed away Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020 at Prairie Cottage Assisted Living in Albert Lea. A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to leave condolences and view the services on our website www.pattonfh.com

Marilyn was born Dec. 23, 1932 to Eldridge and Henrietta (Hienig) Jones in Taunton, Massachusetts. She graduated from Taunton High School in 1950 and then served in the Air Force. While serving, she went to photography school and worked at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado where she met her first husband. Shortly after, they moved to Blue Earth where Marilyn raised their eight children. They later divorced and Marilyn met and married David Welfare. Together they had one son.

She was a member of the American Legion and Legion Auxiliary where she also served as president. She was also on the VFW bowling league for many years. Marilyn had a heart of gold and although she had nine children to raise, she was always willing to help others in need. She joined the Catholic Church and found solace in that and the friends she made there. She was very humble and never wanted to focus on or talk about her talents or gifts, her family was always her main focus and raising them to be kind, not only to others but most importantly to each other and that we believe was her biggest accomplishment.

Left to cherish such wonderful memories are her children, Vickie (Jeff) Campbell, Debra (Bill) Severson, Cherie (Dan) Madsen, Robert (Cindy) Armon, Richard (Lois) Armon, Lori Armon, Jack (Kim) Armon, Joni (Ted) Nagel, and Nick (Stephanie) Welfare. Her brother, Eugene (Pat) Jones, sister-in-law, Pauline (Alan) Erickson, and her very best friend Carolyn Perry. She will also be dearly missed be her 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, husband David, and four brothers.