Marilyn Srsen, 73

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Marilyn Srsen, 73, of Blooming Prairie, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at her home Sunday evening, Aug. 16, 2009, surrounded by her family. She was born Feb. 1, 1936 to Carl and Olive (Fennefos) Swanson in Hartland. She graduated from New Richland High School in 1953 and went on to graduate in 1957 from MankatoState University, Mankato. On Sept. 23, 1958, Marilyn and James Srsen were married in Mankato. While Jim was in the service, Marilyn taught in St. James.
In 1961, they made their home in Zumbrota until 1966 when they moved to Blooming Prairie. Marilyn was a counselor and physical education teacher at Blooming Prairie High School, and later taught social studies until she retired in 1998. She was a member of St. Columbanus Catholic Church and CCW. Familiar to collectors around southern Minnesota, she was an avid antique hunter/dealer who enjoyed researching her finds, especially old photographs and scrapbooks. A nurturer by nature, Marilyn considered her family her most prized treasure. Known for her easy smile and unique style, Marilyn displayed her wit, strength, and compassion for others until the end.
Survivors include her husband, James Srsen of Blooming Prairie; children: Brian (Kari) Srsen of Austin, Jon (Margaret) Srsen of Blooming Prairie, Julie Srsen of Minneapolis, Kimberly (Chad) Loecher of Northfield; seven grandchildren: Kyle, Jaime, Ryan, Dylan and Nick Srsen; Hannah and Griffin Loecher; one great grandson, Brody Srsen; sisters: Marianne (Dick) Lees of Austin and Sue (Barry) Heilman of Albert Lea. She was preceded in death by her parents, Olive and Carl Swanson and a sister, Betty Lou Schildberg.
Memorial services were held at 10:30 a.m. today at St. Columbanus Catholic Church with the Rev. William Kulas officiating. Ladies Rosary was at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 19, Parish Prayer Service at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 19, both at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home with visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. and at the church one hour prior to the service.