Marilyn Ericson, age 79, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND.

Marilyn Rose Greene was born on July 26, 1945, in White Earth, MN, to Charles and Dorothy (Jackson) Greene. As the eldest of ten siblings, Marilyn naturally took on a nurturing role from an early age, a trait she carried with her throughout her life. Marilyn began her education at White Earth Elementary School before her family relocated to Detroit Lakes, where she graduated from high school in 1963.

After graduation, Marilyn moved to Minneapolis to pursue cosmetology and became a licensed stylist. She returned to Detroit Lakes and opened her own salon the Castilian, which she proudly ran for many years.  She continued to further her education in cosmetology attending the Wadena technical school in Minnesota.

Over the years, Marilyn held various jobs—including working on harvesting wild rice, dealing blackjack at the casino, and even painting and housekeeping during her time in Las Vegas. In the late 90's, Marilyn and her loved ones returned to the Detroit Lakes where she spent the last two decades surrounded by family, creating cherished memories.

Marilyn had a deep love for the outdoors. She found peace and joy in tending her lush gardens, canning produce, and harvesting wild rice. She especially loved sitting around a bonfire with her family, sharing stories and laughter. A wonderful cook, her homemade wild rice hotdish was a family favorite, and she took pride in preparing meals for deer hunting season, using freshly harvested meats. She was a proud and devoted Minnesota Vikings fan, an animal lover, and enjoyed playing solitaire. Marilyn was also deeply proud of her Native American heritage and remained connected to her culture by attending the White Earth pow wow and celebrating native tradition with family.

Above all, Marilyn was the heart of her family. Her door was always open, and her home was a place of comfort, care, and love. She had a gift for making others feel welcomed and cherished, and her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.

Marilyn is survived by her children Jason (Stacey) Ericson, Robin Ericson and Jon-Henry (Silvia) Ericson; grandchildren: Leslie, Chelsie, Jason, Nikolas, Lyanna, and Kayla; great-grandchildren: Oliver, Henry, and Ivy-Lynn; brother, David Greene; sisters, Linda (Barry) Hjelsand and Wanda Greene; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings: Deborah Greene, John Greene, Anthony Greene, Lillian Greene, Gary Greene, and Pamela Bellcourt; and other beloved family members.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with a visitation starting one hour before, at Saint Columba Episcopal Church in White Earth.