Marilyn (nee Rohlf) Van Patten-Chuba
Our dear Wife, Mother and Friend, Marilyn Van PattenChuba, age 86, of Elk River, passed away peacefully at home on April 14, 2024. A seven year breast cancer survivor she was ultimately felled by unrelated Glioblastoma. She, of generous, passionate, loving spirit, was a talented artist who lived a vibrant life, loved by family, friends and the entire community for whom she cared and served.
Marilyn was born June 11, 1937 in Rush City, MN. In 1940, her sister, Deanne was born and in 1941 the family of four moved to Elk River. By 1954, the family had grown to seven children. Marilyn attended Elk River Schools where she developed many life-long friends. Always a beautiful and popular girl, through her membership in the Meadowvale 4-H Club, in high school she was chosen to be a Dairy Princess.
Marilyn spent her lifetime learning and her high intellect combined with her natural curiosity led her to several educational achievements. Upon graduation in 1955, she studied engineering, architecture and drafting at the University of Minnesota. Later, Marilyn received an Associate of Arts degree from St. Cloud State University (SCSU). She continued her education completing various courses at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. In her mid-70's, she returned to SCSU and received an Applied Associate Science degree in Gerontology. Beginning in 2023, Marilyn spent over 130 hours taking online German lessons, continuing to study and practice even immediately after her December 2023 surgery and stay at North Memorial Hospital.
In 1956 Marilyn married the late Kenneth Van Patten, having four children: Lorrie, Leslie, Richard and Sage. Marilyn met Dennis Chuba, at an Elk River Community Theater meeting in 1977. Inseparable from that day forward, they entered into the celebration of marriage August 30, 1985, an event followed by a Mississippi River reception cruise on the Jonathan Paddleford. Marilyn and Dennis celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary in 2023.
Always ambitious, in 1957 she began her career at Honeywell, where she worked on aircraft guidance systems, patent drawings and designing miniature circuits. Marilyn's career moved on in 1967, when she served as a draftsperson for United Power Association (Great River Energy) working on substation designs, transmission line routing, and ordering parts for the 1977 distribution substations. Next, Marilyn continued her technical engineering career, working for Litton Microwave and several other drafting firms in the Twin Cities.
In the 1980's, Marilyn began her real estate career by working for Christian Realty in Rogers. After several years, Marilyn and two partners purchased the first Coldwell Banker real estate franchise in Elk River. Her real estate career continued throughout the remainder of her life. Marilyn was known for providing exceptional care and counsel to her clients. Marilyn's caring, compassionate nature led her to create the Beehive Memory Care facility in Elk River. Her commitment never wavered as, together with Dennis, she worked tirelessly to manage the facility's design and build, the shepherding through countless inspections, the adherence to all strict healthcare codes, securing financing, finding, vetting and training staff, satisfying all the rigorous city and state licensing approvals and finally securing residents. Whenever she encountered a seemingly insurmountable problem, she would pray for a solution, and her faith was almost always rewarded with a prompt resolution. The Beehive Memory Care Facility opened in October 2017 and rapidly became a premier memory care establishment in Elk River. The Beehive has accommodated almost 100 residents and their families with loving care inspired by Marilyn's guidance. This loving culture Marilyn and Dennis have established as the foundation of the Beehive's care has been adopted by the entire staff and will live on in her memory.
Marilyn was a charter member of the Elk River Community Theater and over the years was involved in most aspects of its plays. During her tenure she served as a producer, program designer and editor, set builder and painter, box office manager, advertising manager, fund raising manager, make-up artist, property mistress, costumer, as well as acting in several productions. For more than 30 years Marilyn was an active member of the Elk River Rotary Club holding offices of secretary and president. Several times Marilyn was the leading ticket seller for the Rotary's annual "Taste of Elk River" celebration, (even if she had to buy the tickets herself). Marilyn was the recipient of one of Rotary International's highest honors, recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow. Marilyn was an active member of many organizations, Chairperson of the Elk River Arts Council; Board member of CAER Food Shelf; and served as Governor of the Society of Mayflower Descendants representing the State of Minnesota.
Marilyn had a love of travel, both foreign and domestic. She visited Europe many times, and of particular interest were Germany, France, England, Italy and Ireland. She was one of the early visitors to China. She vacationed with friends in Mexico, Palm Springs and Gulf Shores, Alabama. Marilyn's interest in theater took her to NYC where she stayed in the theater district just off Time Square. Over many years she was able to attend scores of Broadway plays. She and Dennis toured the State of Wisconsin every August for 20 years, driving their classic Cadillac convertible to join another 200 open air vehicles.
Marilyn loved her flower gardens and encouraged perennials to bloom spring to fall. She was a marvelous cook and baker. She was known for her canned tomatoes, spaghetti sauce and plum jelly, derived from the fruit of her two plum trees.
She was a talented artist, painting portraits, landscapes and her pet friends. She spent many sessions at Harvey Schroeder’s Art Studio classes with her daughters and friends. She traveled with the arts studio’s sponsored trips to Europe and enjoyed membership in the Manamore art group.
A Christian believer from an early age, Marilyn’s faith strengthened when in 2002 she joined husband Dennis in the community of Elk River’s St. Andrews Church. She loved the traditions and the devotions to Mary in the Catholic Church and she relished the support of her friends in faith.
Marilyn is predeceased by her parents, Harley and Margaret Rohlf and her sister, Deanne Rohlf.
Marilyn is survived by her spouse of 38 years, Dennis Chuba; her children: Lorrie (Gary) Link, Leslie Van Patten, Richard Van Patten, and Sage (Christopher Hawn) Walker; grandchildren: Michael Link, Jon Link, Nate (Cami) Haberman, Robert (Christine) Haberman, Kristin (Ralph) Sturrock and numerous great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters: Harley “Butch” Rohlf Jr, Larry “Pete” Rohlf, Susan Larson, Amy Bodnar and Steve Rohlf, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Harley and Margaret Rohlf and her sister Deanne Rohlf.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 23, 4-7 PM with short service and remembrances at Dare’s Funeral and Cremation, 805 Main St. Elk River. daresfuneralhome.com. Mass of Christian Burial 12:30 Wednesday April 24 with visitation one hour before. Lunch at church immediately after Mass at St. Andrews Catholic Church, 566 4th Street NW, Elk River, MN 55330. Memorials will be directed to St Andrew school tuition assistance and animal rescue groups in honor of Marilyn Van Patten-Chuba.
Dare’s Funeral Home 763-441-1212
Published on April 21, 2024
