Marna Muelken, age 87, of Prior Lake, MN, received her angel wings on Sunday, June 20, 2021.
A time of gathering will be on Tuesday, June 29, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and on Wednesday, June 30, one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 am, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Fr. Tom Walker will preside. Marna’s grandchildren and great grandchildren will act as urn bearers. She will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery.
Five years ago, Marna survived a life changing bout of meningitis. We were so fortunate to have been given these past five years with her. Marna tackled this head on with grace and style, never once complaining or feeling sorry for herself. Throughout all of this, Marna kept her sense of humor and continued to see the world through her beautiful rose-colored glasses.
Marna was born on June 16, 1934, in Tracy, MN, to David and Esther (Bair) Griffith. She was the oldest of six children, leading by example. Marna first grew up on the family farm, where she enjoyed her horses, Pat and Molly. She was always surrounded by cousins playing and caring for them. Marna attended a country school, before moving to Shakopee, MN, in her elementary years. She later graduated from Shakopee High School.
At a Christmas party, Marna swept a young serviceman just returning from the Korean war off his feet. His name was Edward Muelken. They married at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake on August 25, 1956. They then started their life in Prior Lake, where Marna and Ed raised their six children. Family was most important. They especially enjoyed the annual summer vacation to a resort or friend’s cabin up north in Minnesota. Marna was happiest supporting and being active in her children’s lives. She never missed any event or activity in school or college. After Masses on the weekends, Marna and Ed particularly enjoyed treating the kids with either dinner or breakfast. Life was enriched as Marna welcomed grandchildren and great grandchildren into her home. They were Marna’s pride and joy. Christmas was her favorite time of the year to be surrounded by her family.
Marna and Ed had so many wonderful friends and loved happy hours, get together and dinners out with them. They also enjoyed trips to Greece, Spain, Hawaii and even a few cruises. Marna was active in the Prior Lake VFW Ladies Auxiliary and loved her Monday night volunteer job at the VFW serving ice cream on “Burger Night.”
Marna is survived and adored by husband of almost 65 years, Ed. Survived also by her six children and their spouses/significant others, who were honored and lucky to be able to call her their mom, Doug (Chery), Maureen (Jace Mickley), Dan (Lisa), Dick (Emily Murray), Dave (Shelly) and Mona (Todd) Glass. Nine grandchildren who were blessed with the sweetest and most caring grandma, Jeni (Tyler) Peters, Jason (Abby Gadbois), Dani, Drew (Kayla Frandrup), McKenzie (Matthew Sprink), McKayla, Brooke Glass, Bailee Glass and Brody Glass. Three precious great grandchildren, Noah, Ethan, and Clare Peters. Siblings, Dennis (Delores) Griffith, Helen Pauley, David Griffith. Also, many other loving relatives and friends.
Waiting with open arms to welcome Marna into heaven are her parents; sisters, Mame Blenkush, Kat Robinette; other loving relatives and friends.
Our hearts are broken to see her move on, but heaven just gained a special angel. We love you mom/gram!
