By Brenda Erdahl
For 30 plus years Marilyn Groth has put literature in the hands of Maple Lake residents. She was here before the used bookstore in The Den, and before the all-volunteer library opened on Birch Ave.
She started selling books in 1980 from her home on Sullivan Lake. In 1986 she opened a storefront on Birch Avenue in Maple Lake. In 1989 she moved to Buffalo for 26 years before returning Book Break to Maple Lake in 2015. Just this winter she retired at 77 years old.
But Groth is more than a bookstore owner. She’s also a conscientious citizen who raised her children in the community and dedicated countless hours to organizations like the Maple Lake Library, Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Group and Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
On Wednesday, March 6, Groth will be awarded the title of Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day parade at the annual Chamber Social. The title of Grand Marshal is yearly bestowed upon the person or persons demonstrating civic mindedness and outstanding service to the community. Groth will ride in a place of honor in Saturday’s (March 16) Grand Day Parade.
“I was very surprised, and I don’t feel that deserving. There are a lot of people who put a lot of effort into keeping Maple Lake going, keeping Maple Lake alive . . . it’s a big honor,” Groth said.
Groth and her husband Dennis moved to rural Maple Lake in 1974. She grew up in Robinsdale and that is where she met her husband of 57 years. Dennis was working at the Post Office in Robinsdale when a buddy who was building a house on Sullivan Lake invited him out to do some fishing.
“That’s how he noticed the lots for sale on the lake,” Groth said with a smile.
The Groths raised their four children – Derek, Natalie, Peter and Matt – in their home on Sullivan Lake. All four attended Maple Lake Schools and two still live in Wright County. Today Groth is the proud grandmother of nine.
Marilyn Groth, was chosen as the 2024 Grand Marshal and will ride in a place of honor in the Saturday, March 16th St. Patrick’s Day parade.