Jill Ann (Barney) Marin

Jill Ann (Barney) Marin Obituary

Jill Ann (Barney) Marin entered into eternity on the morning of January 10, 2025. She was born on August 7, 1957, in Walnut Creek, CA to the late Ray and Phyllis Barney. At the age of six, Jill moved with her family to Esko, MN, where she spent her formative years. During high school, she loved being an Esko Eskomos football cheerleader, and worked at the family-run A&W restaurant. While attending dental hygiene school her plans changed when she was introduced to the love of her life, Phil Marin, at church…where they married a couple years later on June 16, 1979. Their daughter Jennifer was born in 1980, followed by their son Brent in 1982. In 1984 they built their forever home in Plymouth, MN, where they shared over 40 wonderful years together. Jill loved singing with her children, reading them books, telling stories and playing games together. She was “another mother” to all of their friends, and each birthday was a wonderful celebration.

When her children were young, Jill’s creativity shone through in her business of “Being Mother Goose” which entertained many children, including her own. She also co-authored a children’s book, and spent many years serving others as a waitress at Byerly’s Restaurant. When health challenges required her to stop working, Jill took on a new calling as a prayer warrior, bringing joy and encouragement to homebound widows, friends, and family through heartfelt phone visits. Those long and loving chats will be missed by many.

Jill’s greatest joy in life was the arrival of her grandchildren, and it was where her playful, fun, creative, and ever-young spirit was able to create memorable adventures out of every visit. She especially loved beating Phil in Scrabble. Jill was proud to be a founding partner of StreetScape Ministries, a homeless outreach of her daughter’s in Galveston, TX. Her favorite moments in life were family times-quiet nights with Phil, years of fun as a family of 4, visits to Esko with her mom and dad, time with “the sisters”, large extended family celebrations of any kind, and memories shared with friends who became family. Jill’s favorite things were never things; they were times spent with those she loved.

Jill’s Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis at 10 years old led to health struggles throughout her life, but she persevered through those trials, always giving thanks to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for each day she was given. Her life was a testament to the the goodness of God, and He was always honored in the good times, but also in the bad ones.

Jill’s biggest pride of her life is that her husband, children, son/daughter in law, and grandchildren love Jesus, and she rested in the confidence that this world was not her, nor our, home. We imagine the first words she heard in Heaven were “Well done, good and faithful servant,” for she truly won this race of life. We love you, Jilly Bean, and we know we will be reunited again because of the great gift our Father God gave us in His son, Christ Jesus.

Jill was predeceased by her father, George Raymond Barney, mother Phyllis Bergstedt Barney, brother Peter, and brother-in-law Paul Marin. She leaves behind her husband, Philip John Marin and their children and grandchildren: daughter Jennifer (Brian) Parke with Brianna, Bethany, and Joshua and son Brent (Sheila) Marin with Aubrey, Ellie, and James. She is survived by her sisters Judy (John) Lappi, Patty Barney, and Maria Marzolf, her nieces and nephews: Kyle Hoard, Kevin Hoard, Jacob (Alyssa) Lappi, Jenna Lappi (Tyler Williams), Bryant Hoard, Zachary Hoard, Madison Marzolf, and Andrew Marzolf. Jill was blessed to be married in to a wonderful family and is survived by Sally (Curt) Barney with Brigette, Russell, and Clint; Anja Marin with Kris, Eliisa and Erika; Judy (John) Somero with Eeva, Andy, and Anja: and cousin/sister-friend, Anita. Jill is also survived by MANY aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, January 25 at The Grove church in Maple Grove, MN. A visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, service at 1:00 and refreshments at 2:00 to follow. All are welcome to join us. Your support in this difficult time means so much to our family. In lieu of flowers, contributions toward funeral expenses would be greatly appreciated.

May the Lord bless and keep you, be gracious to you, turn His face and countenance toward you, and give you peace.

Celebration of Life

Funeral Services & Obituary:

Official Obituary: kozlakradulovich.com

Celebration of Life Church:

The Grove Church: mygrovechurch.org