Marilyn Drewes (Hemingway), age 79 of Rochester, passed away at her home early Thursday morning, November 24, 2011 surrounded by her loving family.

Marilyn was born on January 13, 1932 in Kasson, MN to Mr. and Mrs. Calvin and Ina Hemingway. She was raised in the Kasson area with her sister Muriel. In 1948 she married Darrel Sparrow, had two children, and was later divorced. In 1954, Marilyn married Lynn Drewes and had four more children. She became widowed when Lynn passed away in 1987.

Marilyn loved to read and worked many jobs throughout her years, but her greatest accomplishments were always family-related. Her family was her life and she worked extremely hard at raising and supporting them over the years. Marilyn loved to get together with family and friends to talk, laugh, and reminisce about the old days. She was never at a loss for words, always had great stories, and had a wit that was difficult to match. Many people will be proud to have had her as a friend, and her family is thankful to have known her as a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. We love you.

Marilyn is survived by four children, Sandy (Jim) Fitzpatrick of Wisconsin, Marla (Bob) Drake of Rochester, Bonnie (Brian) Birchmeier of Michigan and step-son Tony (Gloria) Drewes of Rochester. She is preceded in death by her sister Muriel husband Lynn, sons Darcy Sparrow and Terry Drewes, and step-son David Drewes. She is survived by twelve grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Family and friends will be celebrating Marilyn's life with a funeral service on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 11:00AM at Christ Lutheran Church of Rochester with Pastor Scott Schilbe officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at Christ Lutheran Church on Monday, November 28, 2011.

Memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church.