Marilyn Erna Spaude, age 95, of Fairfax and formerly of Gibbon passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026.

A private family service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gibbon with Pastor Steven Bauer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of Gibbon are assisting the family with arrangements at this time.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Marilyn was born August 29, 1930, in Minneapolis to Clarence and Erna (Howe) Meder. She spent her childhood in Osseo, MN moving to Gibbon her junior year of high school.

On May 27, 1949, Marilyn married Harlan Spaude. They shared 71 years of marriage living on the family farm until Harlan’s passing in 2020. Together they raised seven children.

Marilyn is lovingly survived by her children: Robin (Karon)of Granite Falls, Jan Marie (Tom Posl) of The Villages FL, Kevin (Karen)of Gibbon, Bradley (Karen) of Gibbon, Jon of Farmington, Jean Cable of Fairfax. She was a proud grandmother of nine grandchildren, great grandmother of twenty-one and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Harold Meder of New London.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harlan; her son, Barry; son-in-law, Tom Cable; parents, Clarence and Erna Meder; brother, Alvin Meder, parents-in-law, William and Anna Spaude and numerous other cherished relatives.

Marilyn was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved to read—so much so that her library card was one of her treasured possessions. She also enjoyed working on puzzles, playing cards and games with her family. More than anything, Marilyn treasured being surrounded by those she loved, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and hospice staff at Sanford Heart Hospital and Ava’s House in Sioux Falls for the compassionate care shown during her final days. We are especially grateful to her granddaughters, Kim and Petrea and great granddaughter, Cadenze for their love, support and countless acts of kindness throughout Mom’s journey. Their generosity brought comfort to our entire family.

Marilyn will be remembered for her quiet strength, gentle spirit and unconditional love for her family. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Mvfh.org