Marilyn W. Burch

August 19, 1926 - July 19, 2012

GROVERTOWN-Marilyn W. Burch, 85, passed away July 19, 2012 in Highland Regional Medical Center, Sebring, FL after a short illness. Marilyn was born August 19, 1926 in Hamlet, IN to Dwight and A. Marguerite (Vieting) Burch. Survivors include: two sisters, Carol (Richard) Heinrich of Sebring, FL and Connie (Dan) Wegner of Cody, NE; one brother, Warren (Sherry) Burch of Hamlet: nieces and nephews, Jeana Shireman, Nancy Wieczork, Jody Rannells, Richard Heinrich, Pam Mossey, Cindi Nielsen, Ken Heinrich, Debbie Troike, Denise Erlandson, Randy Burch, David Eichberger, Christa Markgraff, Jeremy Eichberger and Caroline Eichberger. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Dolores Gjemre. Marilyn was a retired school teacher. She was a 1944 graduate of Hamlet High School, a 1950 graduate of Valparaiso University and received her master's degree from Colorado University in 1960. She taught at Ober Elementary, Hamlet Elementary School and Elkhart Community Schools from 1958-1987, where she mainly taught 6th grade. She was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Hamlet, Starke County Extension Club Cheaper by the Dozen, and the Starke County Historical Society. She was a Charter Member of the Starke County Genealogy Society and a life-long member of the National Education Association. The oldest of five children, Marilyn was the first person on both sides of her family tree to pursue a college education. She first pursued a degree in chemistry, but after taking a year off to work to pay her college tuition and acquiring a teaching job at Ober School in Starke County, she realized that her true passion was teaching. Her love of teaching and children spilled over to her family members as well. She took each of her fourteen nieces and nephews on multiple trips to sights, museums, and long jaunts across country. Her support and interest in them continued through college and their adult lives. Her nieces and nephews joined together to celebrate her devotion to them on her 80th birthday with the gift of a trip to the mecca of genealogists, Salt Lake City, Utah. Marilyn possessed an inquisitive mind and a love of learning. She learned about photography, was a painstaking genealogist, enjoyed and performed music, and applied her technical skill to the area of computers. In recent years, she organized and led a computer club while wintering in Florida to help interested seniors become computer literate. She took on many a challenging project, whether it was installing an underground sprinkler system or overhauling a lawn mower for a neighbor. Volunteering for the Genealogical Society of Starke County, Marilyn researched old barns in Starke County and helped with the indexing of grave markers. Marilyn was an avid reader her entire life (even beginning a new book her last day!) Her enthusiasm inspired many a student, family member, and friend to read and enjoy previously unexplored wonders in the world of books and in nature. In fact, Marilyn loved the outdoors. From the tomboy who climbed trees as a girl, to the softball player, and to the proficient golfer into her eighties, Marilyn was active and energetic. She loved hiking and camping trips in the mountains. One of her favorite excursions was a canoe and hiking trip down the Missouri River after retiring. Marilyn's joy in living was an example to all who knew her. She touched the lives of children and grownups and cheered our successes and achievements in life. Our world was better for having known her and she will be missed. Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 25 at 11:00 a.m.(Central Time) at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Hamlet with Pastor Kyle Wright officiating. Burial will be in the Fletcher Cemetery, Hamlet. Friends may call Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Rannells Funeral Home, Koontz Lake Chapel and Wednesday at the church after 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 2 West Indiana Ave., Hamlet, IN 46532.