Marilyn Marie Pankow

Marilyn Marie Morrison Pankow passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026 at Madonna Towers in Rochester, MN, surrounded by her family.

Marilyn was born on November 1, 1933, in Preston, Minnesota. She grew up in various orphanages and foster homes until she was taken in by Garvin and Julia Benson whom she lived with until she was a young adult.

On November 15, 1958 she married her sweetheart, Norman Henry Albert Pankow, and they raised their two children, Phillip and Joanne in the Rochester area. She was an LPN at the Rochester State Hospital, as well as at Maple Manor Nursing home, before becoming a foster mom. She was happiest during this time and was able to foster more than 100 children that she and Norman welcomed into their home over a period of almost 50 years.

She is survived by her sister, Theodora; son, Phillip (Shelly); daughter, Joanne; granddaughter, Maranda; grandson, Kyle; six great grandchildren; and one great, great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband Norman; and siblings, Ted, Jerry, Dick, Mike and Daphene.

A celebration of life will be held from 2:00-4:30 on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Pl NW Rochester, MN 55901). In honor of Marilyn, please feel free to wear a splash of pink. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Grandview Memorial Gardens Columbarium in Rochester.

In lieu of flowers donations would be appreciated to Camp Companion and the Young in Spirit Program at Bethel Lutheran Church.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Pankow family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com