Marilyn M. Hannemann

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day.

Obituary

Marilyn Elise McKee Hannemann passed peacefully in her sleep as the sun rose on June 26, 2024 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Born on November 25, 1924, in Harvey, Illinois, Marilyn lived into her "100th year," guided lifelong by her curiosity, exquisite style, and passion for the arts and natural world.

Marilyn spent most of her life in the city of Chicago. For 26 years, she was married to Julius "Jay" Hannemann, after first meeting at a refreshment table following a volleyball game at the Morgan Park United Methodist Church, shortly after the end of WWII. Her indomitable spirit led her to break barriers as the first female page at the First National Bank, followed by time at Booz Allen after WWII, several stints as a legal secretary working in the heart of the city, and several years in south suburban real estate sales.

Marilyn somehow found time to also be involved in numerous Chicago area volunteer organizations and clubs, including the Morgan Park Junior Women's Club, Christ Community Hospital Women's Auxiliary, Morgan Park Academy Mothers Club, the University Club (theatre group), the Lanciers (dance club), and The Chicago Architectural Society. 

In 1987, following successful treatment for breast cancer, Marilyn moved to the Twin Cities to be near her daughter Vicki and grandchildren. After a brief time working as a legal secretary in St. Paul, she embarked on a new chapter driven by her love for family and flowers. Her eye for beauty found her nurturing plants and people through her work managing the floral department at Rainbow Foods (assisted part-time by her young teen-aged granddaughter Alison) and in sales in the Bachman's floral department at Lunds-Byerlys store in Eagan. Beyond her professional endeavors, Marilyn's heart found joy in the garden she meticulously designed and tended at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis. For over two decades, the biblical herb garden she created and cared for with a host of Garden Guild volunteers was a place of respite and reflection for the community. A lifelong believer in the power of community service, she often served Sunday Night Supper to unhoused people at St. Mark's, volunteered with the local Democratic Party (Minnesota DFL), and was a member of the Eagan chapter of PEO International, an organization that helps women pursue their educational goals.

Marilyn enjoyed a life enriched with words — starting as a writer for her Homewood High School newspaper, then mastering shorthand, and most importantly, her reading of the daily newspaper paired with coffee and strong opinions. Her love of language was complemented by her commitment to the fine arts ranging from architectural history, the symphony, and art museums, to bluegrass bands in Loring Park, and summer art fairs. 

Marilyn's legacy is carried forward by her family including two daughters, Vicki Wright of St. Paul, MN, and Diane Hannemann (Steven Kelly) of Washington, DC; her two grandchildren, Alison Sellman (Jeffrey) of Bayport, MN, and Ian Wright (Yina) of the Republic of Singapore; and four great-granddaughters, Natalie and Charlotte Sellman, and Leina and Kaylee Wright.

Marilyn attributed her long life to persistently staying active, unwavering curiosity, and of course, chocolate. In her final days she was surrounded by family, dear friends, and cared for by a cadre of angels (disguised as human caregivers) with The Gardens at Episcopal Homes and her HealthPartners hospice team.

Her family and friends will gather to honor her extraordinary life at a memorial service on June 20, 2025, at 2:00 pm CT, to be held within Coventry Chapel at Episcopal Homes in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Gallery

Videos

Memory wall

June 15, 2025

Dear Diane,

Thought I never had the privilege of meeting your lovely mother, I feel as though I knew her through the stories you’ve shared and the love you carry for her.
Her nearly 100 years were filled with grace, strength, and a profound connection to nature, gardens, and animals, a testament to a life well-lived and deeply felt.
Your mother ability to help others speaks volumes about her character and compassion for others. You may have comfort in the beauty she cultivated in her garden and the love she brought for others through her spirit, like the nature she adored, will continue to bloom in your heart and in the memories you cherish.

With heartfelt gratitude and sympathy,

Lucia

Lucia Martins

June 3, 2025

A surprise visit to Virginia’s Wolf Trap performing arts center to see a mystery performer. And then Garrison Keillor took center stage! Marilyn was thrilled to tears. Two hours later a backstage visit and Keillor says to Marilyn “you came all the way from Minnesota, to Virginia, to see someone from Minnesota??!!”

True story, as reported in the Lake Wobegon News.

Oh, and it was Memorial Day.

Steve Kelly

Favorites

Service

Donate