As the sun was setting on the peaceful Monday evening of July 28, 2014, Marilyn Carroll Banker, a resident of Prior Lake, MN and age 75, entered eternal life. Her family was present at her bedside at The Lodge of Natchez in Elko, MN. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, August 1 at 11:30 am, with visitation from 9-11:15 am, all at the Church of St. Michael, 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. Father Rick Banker is honored to preside, at his mother’s Funeral Mass. Marilyn will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Prior Lake, MN. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Marilyn’s memory by the family.

On February 11, 1939, in Chicago, IL, Marilyn was born to parents, William and Helen (Kielhack) Carroll. She was the oldest of three children. Marilyn remembers the day World War II ended. This time period always had a special place in her heart, especially for the Jewish people, since she grew up in a neighborhood with many Jewish friends. Marilyn graduated from Crystal Lake High School, in Crystal Lake, IL.

For over 20 years, Marilyn’s career was spent working in administration for Illinois Bell, that later merged with AT&T. She retired in 1994. One of her fondest lunch time memories early in her career was hearing John F. Kennedy speak. She always said, “It was worth getting in trouble from the boss for being late back to work.”

On September 24, 1960 at St. Laurence Church in Elgin, IL, Marilyn married Richard “Dick” Banker. They were blessed with five children, Richard, Mary, Patricia, Christopher and Amy. As a family, they enjoyed packing up the station wagon and making the 13 hour trip to Grand Marias, MN. Throughout her life, Marilyn had a life-long passion for this beautiful country. In later years, she relished visiting her son Rick’s cabin in Isabella, MN. She spent many countless hours in the screened in porch of “Banker’s Bait and Bible” where she could “over-see” the family’s activities.

Marilyn had many interests and hobbies in her life. She was an avid reader, and a news/political junky. She also loved to complete the New York Times crossword puzzle. Marilyn was a talented woman. She made impressive knitted or crocheted Afghans, hats and mittens and also many cross stitched works of art. On weekdays, there was one uninterrupted hour when Marilyn would put everything to the side to watch Days of Our Lives, during which her family knew she was not to be interrupted. She was also a longtime member and supporter of the St. Jude’s Children’s Foundation

Family was the center of Marilyn’s life. In the earlier years, Marilyn ran a “tight ship” with her five children, but she softened as she became a Grandma. Marilyn was so proud of her children and grandchildren’s achievements. She was especially proud of her son Rick, when he was ordained as a Catholic priest. Marilyn’s family also included the companionship of her long-time Boston Terrier, Molly. A committed Catholic all her life, Marilyn was involved in her children’s Catholic education, volunteering in many capacities and making sure they were successful in their school work.

Known to many as the “Big M”, (which she proudly displayed on her vehicle license plates), Marilyn was proud of her Irish heritage. Left to honor Marilyn’s life and mourn her death are her loving children, Father Rick Banker, Mary (Jeff Simons) Banker, Patty and Brian Chapman, Chris (Jenny) Banker, Amy (Tom) Parsons; grandchildren, Lewis (Fiancé Kathy Lisk) Parsons, Tara Chapman, Alec Parsons, Taylor Chapman, C.J. Banker, Rachel Banker; great-grandchildren, Gavin Parsons, Brooke Parsons; brothers, William Carroll, Tom Carroll; other loving relatives and devoted friends

Preceded in death and there to welcome Marilyn home are many loved ones.

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