Funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Pastor Rob Guenther will officiate and burial will follow in the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in New Ulm.

Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.

Marlene is survived by her daughters, Julie Rolloff of New Ulm, Pam (Vern) Kitzberger of New Ulm; sons, Paul (Jo Christensen) Rolloff of New Ulm, Scott (Diane) Rolloff of New Ulm; her 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; sisters, Carol Hulke of Minneapolis, Shirley Hill of Alaska; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Elmer Rolloff, Jr; her parents, Lawrence and Edna Wille; sister, Bertha Sylvester; brother, Melvin Wille; and many in-laws and extended family.

Marlene Helen Wille was born August 16, 1933 to Lawrence and Edna (Engstrom) Wille in Johnsonville Township, Redwood County. She grew up on a farm near Lucan and attended District 113 country school. She then graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1951. Her time working on the farm with all the animals helped her discover her passion for helping others, which led her to pursue a career in nursing. She graduated from the Union Hospital School for Practical Nurses in 1952 and began her 40 year long career as an LPN. Marlene then met Elmer Rolloff in 1953 when he returned home from the Korean War. On January 23, 1954, the couple was united in marriage at a country church near Lucan, MN and their union was blessed with four children.

Aside from her working career and raising children, Marlene kept very busy in the community. Elmer and her were heavily involved in the Brown County 4-H program, serving as 4-H leaders for 20 years. Marlene was also an officer with the Ladies Aid, a Sunday school teacher, and served on the funeral committee for 30 years at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. She volunteered countless hours with the Brown County Historical Society, Hospital Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, the Harkin Store, Chamber of Commerce, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Oak Hills Living Center. Marlene especially enjoyed running the kiddy rides and concessions at area town celebrations and company picnics, where she was lovingly referred to as the “Cotton Candy Queen.” Fittingly, Marlene was recognized as Minnesota’s 2006 Outstanding Senior Citizen Woman.

Although she is no longer with us, the bountiful memories of Marlene’s kindness and love will never be forgotten. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Blessed be her memory.

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