Marilyn Brink

March 23, 1927 - January 28, 2018

The funeral service for Marilyn Brink of Wadena, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 2, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena, with Pastors Nate Loer and Megan Clapp officiating.  Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.   With family by her side, Marilyn, age 90, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at her daughter's home in Lindstrom, MN.   Marilyn Louise Brink was born on March 23, 1927 on Lake Netta in Anoka County, MN.  She was the fourth daughter of five girls born to Clarence and Helen (Nordquist) Benson.   She had fond memories of growing up with her cousins, attending country school and helping her family in their general store at Lake Netta.  She graduated from Anoka High School in 1944.  Marilyn gave the graduation speech when she graduated from Minnesota School of Business.  Her degree as an executive secretary led to a job, fall 1945, at Lutheran Brotherhood, which she loved!  In the spring of 1950 she went on a trip to the Holy Lands for 5 weeks.  She met Raymond Brink on a blind date that led to their wedding on October 13, 1951, at Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, MN.   Marilyn and Ray moved to Wadena in 1954 to start Brink’s Jewelry.  They owned and operated Brink’s Jewelry until 1990. Marilyn enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, crossword puzzles, card games and coffee.  She loved to cook and bake.  Her specialties were her thinly rolled sugar cookies and meatballs.  She and Ray also enjoyed making lefse together. Marilyn was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where she participated in quilting, Altar Circle, Rotary serving group, Smorgasbords, Soup Tuesdays, Bible studies and volunteering activities. Marilyn is preceded in death by her sister Lorraine; her son, Daniel; and her husband Raymond.      She is survived by her daughters: Bonnie (Gary) Anderson and Julie (Ross) Bertelsen;  grandchildren: Brooks (Bridget), Britta (Bo), Maria (Nat), Joel, Mara, Jack;  great grandchildren: Elsa, Clara, Walter.  Also surviving are sisters: Bernetta Huber, LaVonne Sauter, and Beverly (Wayne) Thompson; and special cousins Juliet and Quinton (Marjorie). Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church or an area hospice organization. Burial will be in the Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, MN.