Marilu Mullenbach, aged 83, passed away on January 15, 2026, due to natural causes at New Perspective Assisted Living in Prior Lake, Minnesota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 27, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Stewartville, with Rev. Kevin Connolly officiating. Following the service, burial will take place at the church cemetery.
Born Mary Louise Prehatney on August 8, 1942, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she was the daughter of John and Celeste (Kiefer) Prehatney. Marilu spent her early years in Austin, Minnesota, where she completed her education at Austin Pacelli High School, graduating in 1960. She briefly worked at Thorpe Financial in Rochester before embarking on a lifelong journey of family and community service.
On September 19, 1964, Marilu married Melvin G. Mullenbach at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Austin. The couple initially settled in Rochester and Stewartville before moving to rural Racine, where they raised their five children. Marilu dedicated her time to being a stay-at-home mother, while Melvin had a long career at IBM in Rochester until his retirement. In 2020, they relocated to Prior Lake to be closer to their family. Melvin Mullenbach passed away on January 8, 2022.
A stalwart member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Marilu was also active in the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 Auxiliary. Her passions included golf, downhill skiing, gardening, and canning. She was an avid supporter of the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. Marilu cherished the time spent with friends and family, particularly following the school and sporting events of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Marilu is survived by her daughter, Monica Gay of North Branch, Minnesota; four sons: Matthew Mullenbach of Victor, Idaho; Mitchell (Linda) Mullenbach of Apache Junction, Arizona; Martin (Julie) Mullenbach of Grand Forks, North Dakota; and Marshall (Tracy) Mullenbach of Prior Lake, Minnesota. She leaves behind eight grandchildren, including Sam Gay, Amanda (Blake) Innes, Joe Gay, Alyssa Mullenbach, and great-granddaughter Reyna. She is also survived by her sister, Barb (Hugh) Duren of Arlington Heights, Illinois, along with many nieces and nephews.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on January 27, 2026, from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Stewartville. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Marilu can be shared at www.griffin-gray.com.
The community remembers Marilu Mullenbach for her unwavering love for her family and her dedicated service to others, leaving behind a lasting legacy of kindness and commitment.
