Marilyn June Erz

Marilyn June Erz (Hepper), 94, died May 7, 2026.

Marilyn was born on June 1, 1931 in Maple Leaf, South Dakota to John and Delores (Sorenson) Hepper. She grew up in McLaughlin, South Dakota where she attended and graduated from McLaughlin High School. Marilyn married Vincent Erz on September 26, 1949 in McIntosh, South Dakota, eventually settling in Aberdeen, South Dakota from 1958 to 1987. Following Vince’s retirement, they moved to the Black Hills, residing in Spearfish and Rapid City, before moving to Brookings and eventually Maple Grove and Champlin, Minnesota.

She had a remarkable gift for creating beauty and warmth in every home she touched. A wonderful and talented room designer, she loved moving to new houses and transforming them into her signature classic style, each one filled with comfort, charm, and love.

Marilyn took great pride in her family, the homes she created, and the little things that made life special, from her famous potato salad and goulash recipes to her ability to run a warm and welcoming household. She never lost her sense of fun, even celebrating a memorable hole-in-one when she took up golf later in life!

The last of a generation of 12 Erz children and their spouses, that “Greatest Generation” of our family will truly be missed, but never forgotten.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Delores Hepper, her sister Nancy Mattern and brother Gerald Hepper, her husband Vincent, son Thom, and daughter Barb. She is survived by her sister Karen Klingman, daughter Jane, son Dan and his wife Joyce, and son Brad and his husband Tim, and six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

One of the last things she told the family as she was preparing for her next adventure was “I will see you soon, but make sure it’s not too soon.”

Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished so deeply, and in the memories she created with all who knew her.

A service and burial will be held later in the summer at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota.