Marilyn Wheeler Minnich

Marilyn was born October 11, 1951 in St. Paul, Minnesota, her parents were Russell E. Wheeler and Dolores Kerl Wheeler. She went to her heavenly home on June 1, 2023 in Buena Park, California. Marilyn was married on November 21, 1981, to Thomas Minnich in La Habra at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

She is survived by husband Tom Minnich, daughter Caren Smith, husband Joe Smith, granddaughters Hannah, Madeleine, Lillian, and Claire; daughter Krista Fernandez, husband Ray Fernandez, grandchildren Reagan, Grayson, and Logan; sister Jan Carpenter and husband John Carpenter, nephew David Taylor and his son; and twin sister Carolyn Klein, husband Fred Klein, and their five children and seven grandchildren.

Marilyn was baptized by Rev. W F H Kerl, her grandfather, on November 11, 1951, at St Matthew Lutheran Church, in St Paul, MN. She confirmed her faith on June 6, 1965, at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Roseville, MN.

Marilyn attended Central Lutheran Parochial School in St Paul, and Capital View Junior High and Kellogg High School in Roseville, MN. Following her graduation from high school with her twin sister, her family moved to Sherman Oaks, CA. There she attended L.A. Valley College and pursued a degree in accounting. She was subsequently employed at various banks and business industries over the course of 30 years.

As a child, her father taught her the joy of ice skating, golf, and watching hockey, while her mom instilled a passion for The Minnesota Vikings. Marilyn was a dedicated fan and enjoyed cheering for the Vikings on any given Sunday! As a Mom, Marilyn’s volunteer commitments included the Altar Guild at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, as well as the PTA, Girl Scouts, and soccer teams for her daughters. She was always cheering from the sidelines. As a grandmother, Marilyn was active with Tuesday morning Bible Study, the WELCA Board, and Sarah Circle at St Paul Lutheran Church. Marilyn also greatly enjoyed quilting, embroidery, and crocheting in her favorite sewing room. In her most recent years, Marilyn enjoyed spending time with visitors, sitting outside in the sunshine, and enjoying the simple things of life.

Marilyn is now in the presence of our Heavenly Father, and all the family saints that have preceded her. She will be deeply missed and remembered by family and friends who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, http://diabetes.org

A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at 2 pm on June 15th at St Paul Lutheran Church, Fullerton.

Be well, Sister of God.