Marilyn "Mimi" Gellhaus
Marilyn Helen (Battey) Gellhaus, 95; passed away April 24, 2025 at Angelhaus assisted care facility assisted living.
Marilyn was born in Aberdeen, and spent her years growing up in Frankfort, South Dakota; where she graduated from high school. She was the daughter of Silas and Helen (Baird) Battey, and had two brothers, Lyle and Richard “Dick” her twin.
She married Ken; her high school sweetheart in 1948, and spent nearly 60 years together. After a short time in Redfield, South Dakota, where Marilyn worked in the bank and Ken worked for the National “T” Company, they moved to Aberdeen and purchased a small grocery store on the corner at 702 S. Main and named it – “Ken’s Buy-Rite” which became “4 Brothers Market”. Marilyn played an active role in the business, including bookkeeping, making pies, salads, and helping wherever needed. The grocery store served as an Aberdeen landmark for 33 years.
Later, Marilyn had a vision to care for the elderly in a home-like setting. In 1992 at age 62 she and Ken built and established the Gellhaus Carehaus., where she cared for elderly residents in a home environment and provided great food and meals. Her success then fostered a second Carehaus, which led to her being one of the original owners of Angelhaus assisted care facility in Aberdeen. For 15 years, she provided care for many elderly individuals.
Marilyn, or “Mimi” as she was affectionately called by all who knew her, simply loved caring for people. She loved socializing, and her kitchen was her special domain where she made everyone feel loved and at home. Serving hospitality was her main course. Mimi loved to cook and bake, and her kitchen was never closed. There were always treats for friends and family to share. Her engaging and effervescent personality was one you would never forget. She truly loved life. Mimi and Ken won many awards for ballroom dancing, and she loved twirling the baton even at the age of 93! She loved attending her kids’ and grandkids’ activities and events, as well as spending time nurturing her flower garden and yard. Mimi’s devotion to family was unwavering, and she always had time to listen and celebrate the joys of life. She will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew and loved her. Her unconditional love, shared by all, was a testament to her faith. She was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church.
Grateful for having shared her life are: Lon (Marva) Gellhaus, grandson Nathan, granddaughter Alissa (Troy) Presuhn; Dennis (Robbie) Gellhaus, grandson Stephen, fiancé Gabriel, grandson Aaron (Lauren); Jay (Daline) Gellhaus, grandson Jacob, (fiancé Natalie), granddaughter Jacynda (Logan) Lane, granddaughter Jianna,(fiancé Matthew), step grandson Braden LeGrand (fiancé Alexis), step grandson Logan (Taylor) LeGrand; great grandchildren: Ryland, Trey, Jackson, Samuel, Dante, Bianca, Gannon, Griffin and Dak.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Lyle and Richard “Dick”, son, Gary, and husband Kenton.