Marilyn Van Patten-Chuba (nee Rohlf)

Marilyn Van Patten – Chuba, age 86, of Elk River, passed away peacefully at home on April 14, 2024 of Glioblastoma brain tumors. She was a generous, passionate and loving spirit, a talented artist who lived a vibrant life. Marilyn was loved by her family, friends and the entire community in which she loved, served and cared for.

She was born June 11, 1937 in Rush City, MN, the eldest of seven children. She was preceded in death by her parents Harley and Margaret Rohlf and her sister Deanne Rohlf.

Marilyn’s family moved to Elk River when she was four-years-old. She attended Elk River Schools where she developed many life-long friends. In her younger years, she was a member of the Meadowvale 4-H Club, and was selected to be a Dairy Princess while in high school.

In 1955, she studied engineering, architecture and drafting at the University of Minnesota. During that time she worked as a waitress at the Spot Café and later in Donaldson’s downtown advertising department.

In 1956 she married Kenneth Van Patten, having four children.

Her drive to have a career led her to Honeywell in 1957, where she worked on aircraft guidance systems and patent drawings. She later returned to Honeywell designing miniature circuits to be reduced to microcircuits working in the Components, Application and Standards Department.

In 1967, she was a draftsperson for United Power Association (Great River Energy) where she worked on substation designs, transmission line routing, and ordered parts for the 1977 distribution substations. She continued her technical engineer career working for Litton Microwave and several other drafting firms in the Twin Cities.

Marilyn served as Vice President of Land-Mobile Radio Communications, helping form the company Ken Van Patten created.

In the 1980s Marilyn worked as a sales associate at the Ridgedale Dayton’s store. She began her real estate career by working at Christian Realty in Rogers. After a year she purchased the first Coldwell Banker real estate franchise in Elk River with two partners until they sold to new owners several years later.

Her real estate career spanned over 30 years continuing until last December. Marilyn was known for helping her clients to the Nth degree.

Marilyn received a degree from St. Cloud State University (SCSU). She continued her education attending Anoka-Ramsey, where she studied Spanish. She returned to SCSU and received an Applied Associate Science degree in gerontology when she was well into her 70s.

Most recently Marilyn spent over 130 days taking online German lessons before and even after her surgery.

One of the earliest members of the Elk River Community Theater, she volunteered to help with programs, publicity, sets, make-up as well as acting in several productions.

She met her current husband Dennis at a theater meeting and together they enjoyed many life-long friends taking annual trips to New York City to see many Broadway plays and musicals.

Marilyn’s caring and compassionate nature led her to conceive and design the Beehive assisted living memory care unit in Elk River. Her vision never wavered as she worked tirelessly day after day getting City and State approvals and securing financing in a difficult market. Whenever she encountered a seemingly insurmountable problem, she would pray for a solution and usually the next day it would be resolved.

Financing was secured in September 2016, Marilyn and her husband Dennis built the Beehive memory care facility which opened in October, 2017 rapidly becoming the local premier assisted living memory care destination in Elk River. Almost 100 residents and their families have received the loving care provided by the Beehive staff inspired by Marilyn’s guidance.

Marilyn was an active member of the Elk River Rotary Club for over 20 years holding offices as secretary and president. She received the Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledging individuals who substantially contribute. Several Times she was the leading ticket seller to the annual Rotary’s “Taste of Elk River” celebration, even if she had to buy the tickets herself.

Marilyn visited Europe many times, mostly Germany, France, England, Italy and Ireland. She also was one of the early visitors to China. She vacationed with friends in Mexico, Palm Springs and Gulf Shores Alabama.

She and Dennis toured the State of Wisconsin every August for 20 years, taking one of their convertibles to join another 200 open air classics.

Marilyn loved her flower gardens and planted mostly perennials which took turns blooming spring until fall. She was a marvelous cook and baker, canned tomatoes and spaghetti sauce as well as plum jelly from the fruit of her two plum trees.

She was a talented artist, painting portraits, landscapes and her pet friends. She spent many sessions at Harvey Schroeder’s Art Studio classes with her daughters and friends. She traveled with the arts studio’s sponsored trips to Europe.

Marilyn was an active member of many organizations, including: the League of Women Voters; Chairperson of the Elk River Arts Council; VP of the Anoka Area Business and Professional Women’s Club; CAER Food Shelf board member; and served as the Governor and member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of Minnesota.

She is survived by her spouse of 38 years, Dennis Chuba; her children: Lorrie (Gary) Link, Leslie Van Patten, Richard Van Patten, and Sage (Christopher Hawn) Walker; grandchildren: Michael Link, Jon Link, Nate (Cami) Haberman, Robert (Christine) Haberman, Kristin (Ralph) Sturrock and numerous great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters: Harley “Butch” Rohlf Jr, Larry “Pete” Rohlf, Susan Larson, Amy Bodnar and Steve Rohlf, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Tuesday April 23, 4-7 with short service and remembrances at Dare’s Funeral and Cremation, 805 Main St. Elk River. www.daresfuneralhome.com. Mass of Christian Burial 12:30 Wednesday April 24 with visitation one hour before. Lunch at church immediately after Mass at St. Andrews Catholic Church, 566 4th Street NW, Elk River, MN 55330. Memorials will be directed to St Andrew school tuition assistance and animal rescue groups in honor of Marilyn Van Patten-Chuba.

***Mass will be streamed live and can be accessed by pushing the blue button below this obituary shortly before the start of the service.***

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