Marilyn Batch, 86, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

To know Marilyn Batch was to know a woman of unwavering strength, quiet faith, and boundless love. Whether you knew her for a lifetime or met her only recently, her kindness, quick wit, and generous heart left a lasting impression.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Father Greg Tschakert officiating.

Burial will follow Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

A time for fellowship and lunch will follow the burial at the parish hall.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Monday, June 16, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel, with a 7:00 p.m. liturgical wake service. Visitation continues one hour before Mass at the church.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Marilyn Marie Bruns was born on April 7, 1939, at Ellsworth Hospital in Ellsworth, Minnesota, to Hank and Dorothy (Morgan) Bruns, who had married in 1937 at the tail end of the Great Depression. She and her beloved sister, Kathleen, were raised on the family farm in southwestern Minnesota, where chores were shared early and life’s simple joys — like taking coffee and baked goods to their dad in the field — became treasured memories.

Marilyn’s childhood instilled in her a tireless work ethic and a lifelong sweet tooth, both of which she carried with pride. She began her schooling at a country school and then attended St. Mary’s School through eighth grade before attending public high school and graduating in 1957. Inspired by an ad for the Army Nurse Corps she saw in eighth grade, she pursued nursing at Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD, graduating in 1960.

After college, Marilyn began her career as a surgical nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, where she worked for 35 years. Her colleagues affectionately called her “Sister” because of her compassionate nature and righteous dedication. Even after her retirement in 2004, Marilyn continued to volunteer in the surgery waiting room — proof that her care for others extended well beyond her profession.

In 1960, Marilyn met Jerry Batch on a blind date arranged by her college roommate, June Gross. The two were married on June 3, 1961, and together they raised six children: Jeanne in 1962, Julie in 1964, Jim in 1965, Joe in 1967, Kevin in 1973, and Jason in 1977. Marilyn poured her heart into her family and delighted in her role as grandmother to ten and great-grandmother to six. She was particularly appreciative of the companionship and care for her daily needs from her son Kevin, who remained with her after Jerry’s passing in 2015.

Marilyn had a deep appreciation for nature and could often be found tending to her beautiful garden or harvesting fresh vegetables—especially her cherished “taters.” A skilled and joyful baker, she loved to “putz” in the kitchen, always ensuring there were cookies or muffins ready for her daily afternoon teatime.

She adored animals, especially her dogs. Over the years, she shared her life with many beloved companions, including her gentle English Golden Retriever, Charlie, and her dearly missed Shelties—CJ, Shelby, and Bobby. Marilyn often said that dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, and when they leave, they teach us about loss. She believed that if you’ve loved many dogs, your heart must be very big — and hers was one of the biggest.

Marilyn had a lifelong love of history, with a special admiration for American presidents—none more than Abraham Lincoln, whose wisdom and integrity she deeply respected. One of her most cherished adventures was a trip to Washington, D.C., where she fulfilled a long-held dream and walked the halls of history.

Her deep faith was another constant in her life. A devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aberdeen, she rarely missed a weekly service and drew quiet strength from her relationship with God and the traditions of her faith.

Marilyn passed away on June 8, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital — the very place where she had spent so many years caring for others. Her legacy is one of humility, service, and joy, and in her own words, she wanted to leave her family and friends with this final thought: “Don’t grieve for me — celebrate the wonderful life and family God blessed me with.”

Marilyn is survived by her children Jeanne (Clay) Spellman, Julie (George) Grote, Jim (Cheryl) Batch, Joe Batch, Kevin Batch, and Jason Batch; her grandchildren Amanda, Chaz, Gage, Dylan, Skyler, Katie, Cody, Jenna, Kyle, and Zane; and great-grandchildren Isaiah, Micah, Elijah, Samuel, Junia, and Amos; and sister Kathleen (Jim) Lingor.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, and her parents, Hank and Dorothy Bruns.