Marilyn Irene (Surls) Whisler

Marilyn Irene (Surls) Whisler of Elkhart, IN finished her life’s journey on January 14, 2022, when the Lord called her to her heavenly home.

Marilyn was born in Elkhart, IN on December 27, 1930 to Walter and Goldie (Clyde) Surls. She married Russell Whisler, Jr. in Elkhart, IN on January 29, 1949 at Castle United Brethren Church. They were married for almost 73 years.

Marilyn is the first of the immediate family to pass on to glory. She is survived by her husband Russell, her 5 children; Alan (Debbie) Whisler of Richmond, VA, Marcia (Stan) Roberts of Northbrook, IL, Cynthia (Rick) Gensur of Cleveland, OH, Yvonne (Kelly) Seabold of Toledo, OH, and Sandra (Keith) Zielinski of South Bend, IN. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren with one more on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Clyde.

Marilyn graduated from Elkhart High School in 1948 and proceeded immediately to work as a stenographer at CG Conn. She worked outside of the home at Zeisel’s department store. Marilyn and Russ worked together as a custodial team at Simpson United Methodist Church and Sugar Grove Church.

Marilyn loved the Lord Jesus and shared her faith through the way she lived her life, by being a loving wife and warm, generous and supportive mother. She shared her love of music by singing in the church choir and with her children who all cherish the gift of music in their lives. She was fascinated with language and words and worked the daily crossword puzzle and had an extensive library in her home. She encouraged her children to look up words at an early age to learn the spelling and meaning.

The family would like to thank the staff at Traditions Hospice for their excellent care.

A Celebration of Life will be at 1pm Saturday April 23, 2022 at Sugar Grove Church, 58512 Old County Road 17, Goshen, IN 46528, with a graveside service following at Sugar Grove Cemetery.

Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46154 is assisting the Whisler family. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com