Marilyn Ruth (Kylander) Dorland

August 1, 1935 – April 7, 2025

Marilyn Ruth Dorland, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025. She was born on August 1, 1935, in Mora, Minnesota, to Abel and Ragna (Bye) Kylander, growing up surrounded by the beauty and challenges of farm life alongside her five siblings.

Her love for music was deeply rooted in cherished memories of singing in the church choir at Grace Lutheran Church, harmonizing alongside her father and sister Eloise. From an early age, Marilyn developed a profound appreciation for nature and animals, nurtured by the rhythms of farm life. In 1953, she was baptized alongside her brother John, marking a significant moment in her faith journey.

After completing her early education in a one-room schoolhouse, she graduated from Mora High School in 1953. Marilyn pursued studies in English at the University of Minnesota while working as an accountant. It was in a Greek History class that she met the love of her life, Clark Dorland. Their journey together led to a loving family of four children, whom Marilyn adored and supported wholeheartedly, attending sporting events, school activities, and family vacations with enthusiasm and joy.

An avid reader with an enduring passion for classical music and classic films, Marilyn found solace in her garden, particularly among her beloved flowers. She found immense joy in playing the piano, traveling, and camping, embracing adventure wherever life took her. Among her many travels, she cherished visiting her parents' homeland countries of Norway and Sweden twice. Marilyn greatly enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in dance and rhythmic gymnastics competitions, as well as their sporting activities. As an employee of Northwest Airlines for 14 years, she had the opportunity to explore the world, collecting experiences that enriched her life.

Marilyn was a devoted and long-time member of St. John's Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School for nine years. Her faith and dedication to her community were reflected in the fact that all four of her children were confirmed at St. John's, a place that held deep meaning for her.

She is survived by her four children: David (Natalia) Dorland of Edina, MN; Mary (Pete) Markus of Carbonado, WA; Tim (Carol) Dorland of Kihei, HI; and Liz (Doug) Kurtenbach of Cottonwood, MN. She also leaves behind 13 cherished grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Marilyn is lovingly remembered by her siblings—John Edward Kylander, Paul Kylander, Audrey Kramer, and Bill Kylander—as well as many cousins.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clark Dorland, her sister and brother-in-law, Eloise and Ernie Caltvedt, and her sisters-in-law, Yvonne and Eileen.

Marilyn's love, kindness, and adventurous spirit will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on in the memories and hearts of all who knew her.

You can send donations to UNICEF or St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Marilyn's honor.

Marilyn's celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16th, with a viewing at 10:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 20165 Heath Avenue, Lakeville, MN. A burial will take place following the funeral service, and a luncheon will be held at the church afterward.