The community of Stewartville, Minnesota, will come together to honor the life of Marilu Mullenbach, who passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 83. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11:00 A.M. on January 27, 2026, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, with Rev. Kevin Connolly officiating. Following the service, burial will take place at the church cemetery.
Marilu’s journey began on August 8, 1942, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she was born to John and Celeste Prehatney. She spent her formative years in Austin, Minnesota, completing her education at Austin Pacelli High School in 1960. After graduation, Marilu worked at Thorpe Financial in Rochester for several years before embarking on her life as a devoted mother and homemaker.
On September 19, 1964, Marilu married Melvin G. Mullenbach at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Austin. The couple initially settled in Rochester and later moved to Stewartville, and then to rural Racine, where they raised their five children. Melvin dedicated his career to IBM in Rochester until his retirement. Marilu and Melvin relocated to Prior Lake, Minnesota, in 2020, to be closer to their family. Melvin passed away on January 8, 2022.
A longtime member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 Auxiliary, Marilu was known for her vibrant spirit and diverse interests. She enjoyed golfing, downhill skiing, and gardening, and was an avid follower of the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, cheering on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at their various school and sporting events.
Marilu is survived by her daughter, Monica Gay, of North Branch, Minnesota; and four sons: Matthew Mullenbach of Victor, Idaho; Mitchell Mullenbach (wife Linda) of Apache Junction, Arizona; Martin Mullenbach (wife Julie) of Grand Forks, North Dakota; and Marshall Mullenbach (wife Tracy) of Prior Lake, Minnesota. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Sam Gay, Amanda Innes (husband Blake), Joe Gay, Alyssa Mullenbach, Reyna, Allanah Mullenbach, Matthew Mullenbach Jr., and Manni Mullenbach and Myah Mullenbach. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Barb Duren (husband Hugh) of Arlington Heights, Illinois, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation for family and friends will take place on January 27, 2026, from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. The arrangements are being handled by Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.griffin-gray.com.
Marilu Mullenbach’s legacy of love, family, and community will be remembered by all who knew her.
