Marilyn J. Pepper

Marilyn J. Pepper, age 84 of Arlington passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at the Arlington Good Samaritan Center. A memorial service to celebrate Marilyn's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at the Arlington United Methodist Church. A reception of friends will take place one-half hour prior to the time of service. Burial will take place at a later date at Glenwood Cemetery in Mankato. Kolden Funeral Home of Arlington is in charge of arrangements. Marilyn was born on Dec. 18, 1927, to Charles and Nina Pepper in Mankato, MN. When she was in her mid twenties, Marilyn and her parents moved to Pasadena, California, to be closer to her only brother Duane and his family. She enjoyed California and had fond memories of sitting on the sidewalk and watching the Rose Bowl parades each year. After her mother died, Marilyn and her father Charles moved back to Minnesota. Eventually they came to live at the Arlington Boarding Home. After her father passed away, the Ugland's continued to watch over her until the late 1950's when she became the second person to move into the new nursing home facility. When the High Island Creek Residence group home opened, in 1980, she was one of the first persons to move in. Then in 1988 she moved in with the Peter and Karen Archer family. She lived with them until Nov., 2005, when she returned to the nursing home. Marilyn worked at the Sibley County DAC for many years and also worked on several community based employment crews. Marilyn always enjoyed being with people. Years back she rode her 3-wheeled bike or walked all around Arlington, greeting and visiting with many. She enjoyed traveling, including trips to Nashville, Oregon, and Texas, and she also attended Camp Friendship many summers. Marilyn was an avid participant in various Special Olympics events over the years and represented Minnesota in the 1991 International Summer Events. She enjoyed embroidery and giving gifts and cards to others. Her church family was very special to her, as well as the Bykota class and the Jesus Cares group. She loved music, shopping, eating out, traveling, and being with people. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Duane and his family. Blessed be her memory.