Marilyn Jean Long

Age 92 of Forest Lake, passed away peacefully at Birchwood Arbors Assisted Living on December 26, 2025.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Marie Josephine Long (1905-1992) and Frank Louis Long (1901-1978); brothers, Richard Benjamin Long (1932-1997) and Dale Franklin Long (1937-2015); niece, Sharon Theresa Long (1968-2005).

Marilyn is survived by nieces, Cynthia Renee Long Stites (John) and Carol Marie Kayler (Dean); nephew, David Michael Long (Zanda); several cousins and local friends.

Mairlyn was born July 26, 1933, in Saint Paul, Minnesota.  She lived in Costa Rica from 1942-1946 as her father helped build the Pan American highway.  She attended a Catholic parochial school and learned to speak Spanish fluently. The family first came back to Saint Paul then moved to Forest Lake where her grandfather Long owned land south of the Forest Lake airport.  Marilyn graduated from Forest Lake High School in 1952.

In 1960, Marilyn’s parents built a home and beautiful English Hunter Jumper horse facility called Merrywood Stables of which Marilyn was an active participant.  She was an accomplished horsewoman from an early age. In 1955, Marilyn graduated from the University of Minnesota with an associate’s degree.  She also graduated in 1956 from Northwest Orient Cabin Service Training (stewardess).  In 1984, Marilyn went on to receive a basic floral design certificate from 916 Vo-tech Institute.

Marilyn had many jobs through the years some of which include horse stable manager and trainer, stewardess, school bus driver, auto transport driver and gardener.  Winters, Marilyn would be found in Sun Valley, Idaho where she was an avid skier. In her later years, Marilyn and Dale were vegetable and flower truck farmers who sold at the Saint Paul Farmer’s Market then White Bear Lake Farmer’s Market.  Zinnias were her favorite flower and flower gardening brought her great joy. Marilyn loved to sing and had a beautiful voice.  She had a wit and zest for life that kept everyone on their toes.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, January 13th with visitation beginning at 10 AM at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake.