Marilyn Burbank

Marilyn Olga Burbank, 92, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, with her children by her side.

Marilyn was born October 3, 1932, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Leroy and Olga (Anderson) Williamson. Marilyn graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, in 1954. She earned an accounting degree and was a Chi Omega sister. While at Northwestern, she met her husband, Mahlon Burbank. After completing her degree, Marilyn worked for Arthur Anderson accounting firm as a secretary to the managing partner. Marilyn and Mahlon married in 1955 and moved to Rochester in 1963 after Mahlon was accepted to the Mayo Clinic staff.

Marilyn's dedication to family was evident in her detailed planning and execution of wonderful camping and canoeing trips and unforgettable annual fishing vacations. Later, Marilyn and Mahlon's cabin in Ontario, Canada, was where the family gathered in summer. These trips forged bonds and created memories that the family will treasure forever.

During her 60-plus years in Rochester, Marilyn attended Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed attending Ruth's Circle. Marilyn deeply appreciated her lifelong friends in the Northern Heights community, including the Thursday Afternoon Sewing Group and Bridge Club. Marilyn was an active volunteer within the community, particularly devoted to supporting Bear Creek Services and the Ability Building Community, organizations that provide services to people with disabilities.

Marilyn was an avid genealogist and historian. One of her proudest accomplishments was tracing the Burbank's lineage back to John Burbank, who came to America in 1635. This research is Marilyn's legacy for future generations in the genealogical community. Marilyn was a volunteer archivist for the History Center of Olmsted County (History Center) and assisted others with genealogical research. Marilyn and her friend Lorraine Keith were instrumental in bringing attention and organization to the collections of the History Center. They were responsible for cataloging and indexing the Cutshall Photography Collection, an assemblage of 36,000 photographic prints and negatives documenting the history and culture of Olmsted County. Marilyn was also a founding member of the Olmsted County Genealogical Society and revitalized the Rochester Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Marilyn was known for her exceptional needlework skills, and her children and grandchildren cherish her cross-stitch and hardanger creations. Marilyn was an avid reader, enjoyed the symphony, and loved political "discussions" with her beloved husband of 66 years.

Marilyn will be remembered lovingly by her children, Karen Burbank of Rochester, Doug Burbank (Ashley) of Mandeville, Louisiana, Mark Burbank (Holly Corner) of Brier, Washington, and Susan Wood of Brier, Washington; her grandchildren Elaine (Nick) Luquet, Robert Burbank, Madison Wood, Skyler Wood, Sophie Burbank, and Jack Burbank; and her sibling, Roger (Melissa) Williamson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Mahlon Burbank, and her sister, Charlotte (Williamson) Sommerfeld.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, preceded by a visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. In place of flowers, memorials may be sent to Bear Creek Services or the History Center of Olmsted County.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Burbank family.