December 30 1934 October 25 2019
Marilyn’s Obituary Marilyn Joe Wilcoxen Birch was born into this world on December 30, 1934 to Joseph L and Mildred E. Utsler Wilcoxen and went home to her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. In 1954, she married the love of her life, Robert L. Birch, and together they raised two children: Jeffrey L. Birch and Jan E. Birch Parchem. Marilyn began her work-life career in the insurance field and later worked in the Atwood Hammond School District as first the secretary and later as head cook for the lunchroom. It was here that she worked until she had a serious health issue in 1976 that forever changed her life. It took an enormous amount of grit and determination, but she learned to walk again and regained some of her mobility and independence. Over the years Marilyn was involved in many clubs and social activities. You will never find another person who loved Bingo like she did! She could remember numbers and dates like no one else could. She also belonged to Sixteen High, Bunco, and Junior Women’s Club. She was also a representative for her floor at Wittenberg Village, where she resided in Crown Point, Indiana after her husband passed in 2011. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, parents as well as sisters Joann Dukeman Portwood and Theresa Yakle. She leaves behind to mourn her loss, but celebrate her love for them: her son – Jeffrey (Nancy) Birch and her daughter – Jan (David) Parchem, her grandchildren whom she was so proud: Brian (Nikita) Parchem; Katie (Ryan) Ricker, Benjamin (Stephanie) Parchem; Taylor Birch (fiancée-Garrett Brown) and Kelsey Birch (Keith King). She was also “Big G” to and so in love with her great-grandchildren – her little red-headed David Parchem and her (sometimes) sweet little Hannah Parchem (she is two after all). Three weeks ago, she welcomed a third great-grandchild, Rhett Ellen Riker, whom she loved seeing pictures of but hadn’t been able to meet just yet. She was so looking forward to holding that sweet baby. Marilyn also has one surviving sister, Sue Davis. Marilyn also left behind many wonderful friends that she had come to know in the years that she lived at Wittenberg Village. The people at Wittenberg Village filled a void in her life that she felt after the sudden passing of her husband. To all these wonderful, caring people – thank you so much for being such good friends to her. Mom, Grandma and Big G has already left a big void in our lives. We will love and miss her always. Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 66 East US Highway 36, Atwood, IL. with Graveside Services immediately following the visitation at the Mackville Cemetery, Atwood, IL with Rev. Don Gerkin officiating. Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Marilyn Birch December 30 1934 October 25 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Arcola, state: Illinois