Marilyn Burnham

Marilyn M. Burnham, 85, of Spencer passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at the Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater.  Funeral mass will begin at 10:30 am on Monday, February 15 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell.  Inurnment will take place at the Spencer Cemetery and a luncheon will follow in the Spencer Hall.  Visitation with family present will be held from 1 – 3 pm on Sunday with a 3 pm prayer service.  Masks will be required at all services.  Both the funeral and prayer service will be livestreamed, and a link will be posted at www.kinzleyfh.com.

Marilyn Marie Kayser was born on June 28, 1935 near Emery, SD to Joseph and Mabel (Kewley) Kayser.  She grew up in the Emery area and graduated from Emery High School.  On November 9, 1957, Marilyn married Jean Burnham and together they lived in the Spencer area.  Along with raising her family, Marilyn worked at the Red Owl and the Golden Pheasant.  She eventually became known as the “Bookmobile Lady” as she operated the Hanson/McCook County Bookmobile for many years.  Marilyn enjoyed gardening, reading, baking and especially loved attending her grandchildren’s activities.

Marilyn is survived by:  her daughters, Sandi (Monty) Johnson of Spencer, Connie (Wayne) Whistler of Spencer, Peggy (Jason) Schoon of Salem, and Dawn (Loren) Knutson of Canton; her grandchildren, Jacob Johnson (fiancé, Ariel Bieber), Danielle (Eric) Dykes, Steven and Benjamin Whistler, Sarah, Summer and Kyle Schoon, Zachary Knutson, Ashley Davie, Jacalyn (Phil) Devine and Derek Dougherty; great-grandchildren, Gunner, Drake, Kylie, Taylor, Trevor, Ashlynn, Maison, Jayden, Paytin and Martin; siblings, Donna (Bud) Pederson, Bob (Linda) Kayser, Greg (Beth) Kayser and Janie (Loren) Golder; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Bill (Clione) Burnham, Dick (Karen) Burnham, and Garry (Barb) Burnham; special family members, Kevin and Karen Twedt of Spencer and Jay, Jenny, Clayten, Caleb and Cade Hoffman of Salem; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Jean; granddaughter, Angie; parents, Joe and Mabel Kayser; siblings, Beverly, Eleanor, Carol, Jim and Sandra; and sisters- and brothers-in-law, Byron, Phyllis and Dean