Marilyn R. Sisler

Marilyn was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to parents Ruth and Dr. Charles Drake on December 23, 1926. She passed away peacefully at the age of 98, surrounded by loved ones, on March 3, 2025, at Catholic Eldercare in Minneapolis.

Marilyn grew up in Minneapolis a short distance from Lake Harriet along with her older brothers, Charles (Ted), Bob, and sister Jayne. She is survived by daughter Kate (Larry) and son Eric (Donna). Following high school at Washburn High, Marilyn attended first Oberlin College in Ohio, and then the University of Minnesota graduating with a degree in Home Economics.

She had an ideal wonderful childhood playing near Minnehaha Creek, Lake Harriet, riding on the Minneapolis streetcars, and playing with her many friends. She often spoke of how lucky she was to live there and be born into that happy place. Her father was an esteemed doctor who also valued education and became president of the school board in the Minneapolis Public Schools. Her mother who she loved dearly grew up in Minneapolis and taught her the joy of being kind, fun, tolerant, and giving.

In 1948 she married Albert (Bert) Sisler with whom she had three children. They moved out to Burnsville Minnesota to her beloved “home on the lake” in 1960. There she spent over fifty years lovingly being the steward of a property on Alimagnet Lake. She eventually turned the property into a “Natural garden habitat,” having one of the first certified Wild Habitats from the National Wildlife Federation. She knew all the plants and flowers on her property and the calls and behavior of many birds.

Marilyn was a lover of nature, music, and literature. There was an extensive library at the house and she claimed to have read every book and kept the books as “old friends.” Her children grew up in a family of pets ranging from dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, rabbits, and fish. Even a duck and a crow! Her children were blessed to grow up amongst them. She was an outstanding piano player playing well into her 90’s, mostly enjoying as she said “real music,” from the 20’s and 30’s.

She kept a “Hero’s Corner” at the house, where she put up the names of people she admired. Often women, or men who championed the downtrodden or less fortunate. She was reserved and unassuming yet took the local school district to court to fight for son Brian’s right to attend school with what they considered “long hair.” She also battled in court against the city of Burnsville as they told her she had to get rid of her “wild” yard. She prevailed in both court battles. Her beautifully managed, yet natural yard became a model for others in the neighborhood and was ahead of its time.

She was an expert Bridge player and took up learning the harp at the age of 50, taking lessons and playing well into her later years. She was an active member of the “Valley Troubadours.” They were a senior band that played music in the local community and senior residences. She saw them once, and went up afterwards, and asked if they could use another player. She was soon happily playing the kazoo! She eventually worked her way into playing the piano.

Growing up in a strict conservative Baptist background she later became a strong believer in the Unitarian church. She was active in several Unitarian churches and believed in the “Joys of Agnosticism.” Basically a belief in tolerance and being open to all that was out there and what could be. She wrote copious notes and gave intelligent thoughtful debate when discussing issues. She became a staunch liberal Democrat who was active in politics attending the precinct caucuses and being voted in numerous times as a delegate. Despite growing up in privilege she fought vigorously for the powerless and the oppressed, unrepresented, disadvantaged population. She believed in always voting as one’s vote was sacred, and a great right we have as Americans.

Marilyn overcame physical struggle as well. She was blindsided by a car on Christmas Even in 1981. She broke her neck and was in a Halo cast for eight weeks. She was diagnosed with MS, Multiple Sclerosis, at the age of 55. She dealt with pain and ongoing physical challenges henceforth. Ten years ago she almost lost her life to Anaplasmosis (a deer tick illness). She said before she passed out, “This might be it, but I’ve had 88 wonderful years and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” She beat the odds. (Her personal doctor said it was the biggest miracle she had ever seen in all her years of being a physician). Given one percent chance to return to independent living after many months of therapies and as she said “Indignities,” she was back living in her apartment and being grateful to be alive. She lived ten more years.

Despite not being as she said “good like before,” she was laughing with her inimitable great laugh, reading, listening to music and watching her TV. She got to see and get to know more great grandchildren. She loved her seven grandchildren and was overjoyed with 24 great grandchildren, and they adored her. She traveled from Afghanistan to southern Argentina to visit them. Despite all her later struggles she always asked questions about the people who visited her and asked about their children and loved ones. Her mind stayed razor sharp right until the end. Her memory of her family history and her childhood have been recorded on audio and in writing. She left quite a legacy.

Many thanks to the caregivers at Catholic Eldercare and everyone that has showed love, compassion, and kindness to Marilyn in her last years.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

July 2, 2025

Lakewood Cemetery 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA

Celebration of Life will be held at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis. Visitation will take place 1 hour prior at 12:00 PM. Service at 1:00 PM with a lunch to follow. Burial at 3:00 PM.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services