Marlyn Cox

Marlyn Lee Cox, age 79, of Peterson, Minn., died from complications related to Alzheimer disease on September 24, 2024 at the home of Sylvia Passow, his sister.

He was born on May 5, 1945 in Faribault, Minn., the son of Gordon and Gesina (Simonson) Cox. He grew up on the family farm in Fillmore Township and graduated from Wykoff High School. He attended St. Olaf College and later the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) graduating with degrees in geography and history. While Marlyn was in St. Olaf, he went to Alabama for the summer of 1965 for Tuskegee Institute Summer Education Program (TISEP). The program employed 1,000 college students to fight illiteracy and promote education throughout rural sections of 1965 Alabama. He stayed for one semester until January of 1966.

Marlyn had a sense of adventure and his career reflected that. Returning to Minnesota, he was co-owner of the Common Roots, a bulk goods and health food store in Lanesboro. He later served as Director of the Fillmore County History Center and was instrumental in its move from Preston to Fountain. He also served as Post Master in Lanesboro for several years. Marlyn was a founding member of the Lanesboro Arts Council (now Lanesboro Arts) and helped with the initial restoration of the St. Mane Theatre.

In 2004, Marlyn moved to China where he taught English, first in Dalian and later in Beijing. He co-authored an English textbook for an international school after he stopped teaching. He lived with his future husband, Jundong Song, while working in China. In 2008, they moved to Winnipeg, Canada where they later married. The couple eventually moved to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and most recently to Forest Grove, Oregon. 

Marlyn was a frequent traveler, visiting several countries in Europe and Asia over the years. He first visited China in 1989 when he took a week long train ride from Hong Kong to Beijing. His favorite places are Amsterdam and China. He had a sense of curiosity and enjoyed meeting people from various cultures. He sponsored a foreign exchange student George Kencana from Indonesia and stayed in touch with the George’s family over the years.

Marlyn was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Dennis. He is survived by his husband; sister Sylvia (Jeff) Passow; nieces Sarah (Roger) Bearbower, Anna (Bruce) Nelson; nephews DeLane (Sarah) Horning, Gregory (Shannon) Cox; and longtime friend Bob Cramer.

Marlyn’s body was cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at Sons of Norway Hall in Lanesboro, on Sunday October 13, from 1 PM to 4 PM. In lieu of gifts, memorials can be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford assisted with arrangements.