Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Marlys Timm loves to serve



DELANO, MN – Marlys Timm has been serving the Loretto community for many years, and of course, pitching her cherished horseshoes, as well.

Upon being sworn in as the first woman Loretto postmaster in 1986, Timm didn’t know how much a part of her life the community and its residents would become.

Before moving to the area, she was active on the Victoria Park and Recreation Department and served as president for the Chaska women’s softball league, while spending many years playing softball and volleyball.

With her involvement with the Northwest Suburban Chamber of Commerce, the Loretto Lioness Club, and being an election judge for the City of Independence, Timm has definitely kept herself busy over the years.

The Loretto Post Office will always hold a special place in heart, proven by scrapbooks and memorabilia she has saved.

As postmaster, she conducted fundraisers including phone cards for troops, offered coloring contests for children, and enjoyed educating students about the post office.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Lake is another place where Timm has volunteered.

The Northwest Suburban Chamber of Commerce recognized Timm for her outstanding community service in 2005, and that same year, the Federal Executive Board of Minnesota named her civil servant of the year.

Local resident Hank Lehn approached Timm during the Loretto Lions Club sports bonanza weekend in 1987, and encouraged her to give horseshoes a try.

“I got second place,” she smiled. “It was the first time I ever really played, and I’ve been playing ever since. I could really put those ringers on. Years later, I found out my mom was good at horseshoes too – maybe it’s in the genes.”

Now, the sport of horseshoes has become a big part of her life, as well as that of her husband of 47 years, Marvin Timm. The couple joined the Rockford Ringers Horseshoe Club and are still actively involved today.

Timm is the league director, secretary, and treasurer. Throughout the years, the group has grown from about a dozen to nearly 40 players.

Previously, she served as news media director for Minnesota Gopher State Horseshoe Pitcher Association (MGSHPA) and currently serves as the west metro vice president.

This horseshoe couple has traveled across the nation to play one of their favorite sports.

Their other favorite sport is baseball, and they are huge Twins fans. One of Timm’s prized possessions is a signed picture of her with Minnesota Twins player Bert Blyleven when he visited the Loretto Post Office.

She also enjoys sharing the story of being at game seven of the 1991 World Series and watching the Twins win, while sitting by Carl Pohlad.

Though the Timms are both retired now, nothing seems to slow them down. With two children and three grandchildren, family remains important.

Texas offers them a break during the Minnesota winters, allowing leisurely walks, line dancing, golf, and of course, horseshoes.

Those who know Timm, know of her love for sports, devotion to her employees, and commitment to community service.

“I really do love serving,” she said. “Especially the community of Loretto. Serving as their postmaster for 20 years was an honor. Now, I get to enjoy serving as granny nanny for my 2-year-old grandson, Mick. I have help with this though as papa Marvin loves having him around, too.”

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