Marilyn “ Marde” Uptagrafft, 76, a longtime Stewartville,MN resident died on Friday (May 8, 2020) of complications following a heart attack, at Mayo Clinic Rochester – St. Marys Campus, where she had been a patient for the past week
Marilyn Kay DeVries was born on November 19, 1943 in Mitchell,SD to Frank and Adella(Ruff) DeVries. She grew up in Corsica, SD where she attended school, graduating from Corsica H.S. in 1961. She attended 1 yr. of college at Northwestern University in Iowa, before she was employed as a nursing assistant at St. Josephs Hospital in Mitchell. Marilyn was married on December 13, 1963 in Corsica to Richard L. Uptagrafft. Following their marriage the couple lived in Mitchell where Marilyn was employed at the First National Bank as a teller. They moved to Stewartville in 1969, where they began raising their boys and have continued to make their home. Marilyn was a homemaker and was employed at Federal Land Bank in Rochester for 20 years, before her employment with Grafe Auction as an auction day clerk for a number of years. She was employed at Mayo Clinic in the Gonda Building Gift Store for 13 years until her retirement. Dick was employed for 20 years at WHKS and Co. in Rochester as an engineer aide. He was owner/operator of Uptys Screenprinting in Stewartville for 20 years until his retirement. Marilyn was a member of Grace Evangelical Free Church in Stewartville. She enjoyed reading, knitting, going to dinner with Richard and visiting with their many friends. She loved time spent with her sons and grandchildren and especially enjoyed following their school and sporting activities.
Marilyn is survived by her husband - Richard and her 2 sons – Todd(Trisha) of Racine,MN and Doug of Plainview,MN; 5 grandchildren – Kayla Uptagrafft, Krista Uptagrafft, Shane Uptagrafft, Lauren Uptagrafft and Emma Uptagrafft; her sister – Lori(Kevin) Sheldon and her brother - Sylvan DeVries both of Souix Falls, S.D. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law – Darlene DeVries.
Due to public health concerns a private family service will take place at Griffin- Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. A celebration of Marilyn’s life will take place at a later date at Grace Evangelical Free Church. The date and time will be made public prior to that service. The Uptagrafft Family requests no flowers be sent at this time. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Marilyn are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.
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