Marilyn “Jean” Rosenthal, 77, of Austin, died Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at Sacred Heart Care Center. Jean was born May 16, 1936, to Arthur and Mary (Wilkinson) Larson in Madison, Wis. At the age of 14 her family moved to Rochester, Minn. They moved to Austin two years later.

Jean graduated from Austin High School in 1954. On Oct. 1, 1960, Jean married Jon Rosenthal of Austin. They lived their entire married life in Austin. To this union three sons were born. Before her marriage, Jean worked for George A. Hormel & Co. At the birth of her first child, she became a full-time mom until her children were grown. She then returned to work at Riverland Community College in Austin. Jean was awarded the Austin Community College Staff Service Award by the Minnesota State Board of Community Colleges in 1993. Jean loved her job at the college.

As part of the maintenance department, she had the opportunity to know and appreciate all of her coworkers, plus many of the students. Everyone knew Jean was a trusted coworker and friend. After her retirement, she was able to spend more time pursuing her favorite pastimes. Jean looked forward to an annual fishing trip to northern Minnesota, watching her children and grandchildren enjoy the outdoors. The relaxation of summer brought such joy to her heart. Jean was very passionate about animals, loved dogs and cats, and was a supporter of the Humane Society. With her many “feeding stations,” Jean’s backyard was a haven for birds, squirrels and other wildlife. In recent years, Jean found that she loved the southwest area of Arizona, Nevada and California.

She enjoyed extensive travel in Arizona, and looked forward to each and every opportunity to go in that direction. Colorado and Missouri were two of her other favorites. Jean enjoyed her quiet time by playing cards with family and friends, working in her garden or reading a good book. She always made a difference in the lives of all she knew and cared about. Her love, kindness and thoughtfulness for others made her a unique individual. She was deeply loved, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her children, Curt (Eric) Rosenthal of Minneapolis, Craig (Heather) Rosenthal of Brownsdale, and Chris (Amy) Rosenthal of Buffalo Lake, Minn.; three grandchildren, Cole, Gabriele and Lilah; sisters Jo Ann (Paul) Haynes of Austin, Minn. and Jan Huinker of Rochester, Minn.; along with nephews, nieces and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jon and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin, with the Rev. Dr. Stephen DeFor officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 19, at Worlein Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.