Marianne Vrieze

Marianne Vrieze, age 87, a longtime resident of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on July 27, 2026, in Aurora, Colorado, from complications related to Alzheimer's disease.

Born in Erding, Germany, to Franziska Koppenmüller, Marianne spent her earliest years during a turbulent chapter of history. As a young child, she and her family sought shelter as Allied bombers passed through Erding on missions targeting the surrounding area. Decades later, while working at McDonald's on 55th Street in Rochester, Marianne formed friendships with a group of retired men who gathered there regularly. Among them were a historian and a former WWII bomber pilot. Through many conversations, they discovered a remarkable connection: the pilot had flown missions over Erding during the very period when Marianne was a child scrambling for safety. Their shared story was later documented in a magazine feature and discussed at a round-table public event - a poignant reminder of how lives can intersect across time.

Marianne married William Vrieze on June 11, 1959, in Erding while he was stationed there with the United States Air Force. Together they returned to the United States and built a life defined by family, faith, and perseverance. She was the devoted mother of three children: Terence and his wife Brenda, Martin (Marty) and his wife Janel, and Rochelle and her husband Nick.

She is survived by her grandchildren: Garrett, Colin (Lynnelle), Courtney, and Brittany (Sam); Jackson (Alex) and Mitchell; Jacob, Jessie (James), and Julea.

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, whom she adored: Rosie and Dakota (children of Brittany and Sam); Jayden, Ezra, and Oliver (children of Colin and Lynnelle).

Marianne spent her career in food service, working at Zantigo, Taco Bell, and McDonald's in Rochester. She was known for her kindness, reliability, and the warmth she extended to coworkers and customers alike.

Those who knew Marianne will remember her unmistakable spirit - a stubborn German in the best possible way, fiercely independent, determined, and never afraid to speak her mind. Her devotion to her Catholic faith guided her throughout her life, offering her strength, comfort, and purpose. Above all, she cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments, encouraging their dreams, and loving each of them with a full and generous heart.

The memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am on Friday, September 11, 2026 at Pax Christi Church in Rochester, with visitation from 10:00am to 11:00am. Please feel welcome to dress in hot pinks, hot yellows, fuchsias, light white in honor of Marianne.

In lieu of flowers, Terry, Marty, and Rochelle ask that donations be made to the ASPCA, a local animal shelter, or the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Marianne Vrieze.

Her family remembers her as a woman of quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering love - someone whose life bridged continents, generations, and even the echoes of history.

Maxon Family Cremation & Life Celebrations is honored to be assisting the family. "Clarity & simplicity are kindness to a grieving family" ~ Maxon Family