Marilyn Dawn Bacon Burdick (76) went to be with God on the Lords Day, May 29, 2011. In the arms of her husband, Edwin J. Burdick, she got her wish to die at home, no pain, no medication, in her sleep. She had battled cancer for two and half years, and was tired of the struggle. She was born on Dec. 1, 1934 the third child of Mildred (Bidwell) and Edgar Bacon of Easton township, Adams County, WI. She married Edwin J. Burdick on June 11, 1954. The couple was blessed with three children.
Marilyn was a woman who valued education. She was Valedictorian of Adams-Friendship High School, graduating in 1952. She completed her 2 year teaching certificate at University of WI Eau Clare. When her children were all in school, she went back and completed her B.S. degree in Special Education at the University of New Mexico in 1966. She continued her education throughout her adult life gathering more credits than needed for a graduate degree. As she traveled to places her husband was assigned, Marilyn taught wherever she could get a job: Albuquerque, N.M; Izmir, Turkey; and Dover, DE. When Ed retired back to the family farm in Easton, she taught Special Education classes and third grade at the Adams Grade School, retiring in 1997 (30 years).
Marilyns Christian, Biblical world-view, was strong and dutiful. She was baptized at the White Creek Congregational Church where her extended family of many generations worshiped God in community. She was raised in the Church and lived her faith in authentic practice. When they returned home to Wisconsin in 1971, Marilyn and her family became active members of the church of her youth, where all the extended family attended. She was active in leadership roles in most areas, especially those involving children and Christian education. It is at the White Creek Congregational Church that family and friends will celebrate her life on Thursday, June 2 at 11:00am service. Pastor Bud Condon and Pastor Sam Downey will assist. Visitation for the community will be held at Roseberrys Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 1, 4 8pm. There will also be a visitation time prior to Thursdays service at the church; 10:00am. Burial will follow at the Easton Cemetery.
Marilyns life was full with hobbies and passions: sewing; reading; crocheting; gardening; cooking; traveling; square dancing; volunteering involving children, church, and the Easton-White Creek Lions Club; and helping others. She was an avid fan of the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers. In her life time, she visited or resided in all 50 states of our great nation. She also traveled, camped, and fished in Canada many times over the years as well as living in Turkey for two years and vacationing in Germany, Austria, Greece, England, Scotland, Mexico, & Japan. Her favorite vacation was the three week trip in the motor home to Alaska following retirement. Marilyn was a Master Gardener, awarded State Best Champion on her crocheted bed spread, active in the Easton Homemakers and the Adams County Home and Community Educators in leadership roles, a volunteer driver for the elderly, and a member of the Adams County Retired Teachers Association. She treasured her award, Teacher of the Year, in 1989.
Marilyn left a mark and impression on many peoples lives and will be remembered as a woman who was faithful, organized, and often had a plan; a woman one could trust to do what she said she would do and do it well. She was loved and respected by her family. Marilyns legacy will be passed on through her family and friends.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Edwin J. Burdick of Easton, WI. Her adult children: Anita (Don) Genrich Merrimac, WI; Stuart (Susan) Burdick Tucson, AZ; Nancy (David) Seelenbinder Dayton, OH. Her grandchildren: Kimberly (Mark) Zaccagnino DeForest, WI; Melissa Burdick-Mitchell Tucson, AZ; James (Andrea) Bennett Grand Marsh, WI; Jeremy (Amanda) Burdick San Antonio, TX; Thomas (Melissa) Van Beek Racine, WI; Michelle (Shawn) Boettcher La Crescent, MN; Casandra (T.J.) Miller New Carlisle, OH; Zachary Seelenbinder San Marco, CA; & Matthew Genrich Merrimac, WI. She felt especially blessed with her 13 great-grandchildren: Victoria, Angelo, Jaden, Alex, Emily, Tegan, Regan, Abigail, James, Nathan, Payton, David, & Jacob with whom she spent time knowing and loving each with their unique gifts of personalities.
Her living siblings were very important to Marilyns life: Janis Rhinehart Birchwood, WI; Kent (Ida Mae) Bacon Rushford, MN; Gary (JoAnn) Bacon Arkansas; Nola (Richard) Edwards Wausaukee, WI; Mary Swenson Marshfield, WI
Marilyn was preceded in death by her baby brother, Billy Bacon and her parents: Mildred (Bidwell) & Edgar Bacon and Gladys (Drinkwater) & Bertram Burdick.
Ed and family, we just learned of Marilyn’s death and would like to let you know that our thought’s and prayer’s are with you. Clint and Marian Ramsey, Scottsdale, AZ
To Marilyn’s family,my thoughts and prayers go out to you. We were classmates for four years at Adams-Friendship High School. She was always friendly and positive and very active.I’m honored to have been her friend.
You will be missed by all. Ny heart goes out to husband Ed and family.
Ed and family,
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to you all in this very hard and trying times.
May God be with you all and all of our love be with you.
Dear Ed and Family
So sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. Our deepest sympathy for you during this difficult time.
Dear Ed & Family, Unfortunately, I did not hear of Marilyn’s passing until after the funeral. I surely would have been there. Marilyn and I were friends throughout HS & graduated from A-F in 1952. We rekindled our friendship in later years thru our association in HCE (Homemakers). Marilyn was a wonderful leader and educator. She will be/is missed by the many people whose life she touched. You have my profound sympathy.
Ed and family, Marilyn was so very special. I know she is at peace now and will be directing things in heaven . She was my spirital mentor and I will miss her so much. Faith will take the hurt away
You will be missed ,you were a wonderful grandmother to Melissa and Jeremy and I thank you….my love goes out to the family in sympathy and prayer.
She was a real jewel. A joy to visit with, a super teacher and just a joy to be around. She shall be missed.
Ed and family, I am deeply sorry for the loss of Marilyn. I knew both you Ed and Marilyn when I work for Adams County DHSS. I always enjoyed talking with both of yous. Marilyn will be missed by me and may God Bless your family at this time.
Ah, fond memories. Aunt Marilyn was like a 2nd Mom when I was a young child. Thank for everything and the fine example that you set.
MAY ALL OF THE GREAT FUN MEMORIES REMAIN IN YOUR HEART TO REMEMBER AND HONOR MARILYN. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL WOMAN, THAT MANY LOVED.”MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.
I am so sorry for your loss, but we know that Marilyn is with our Father in Heaven waiting for her family and friends to join her. I am also sorry that I am not able to be there right now but please know that I am praying for you all.
I am very sorry for your loss. I remember Marilyn very fondly from when I was a child living in Easton. All happy memories of the family. God Bless.
Marilyn will be truly missed by many. My daughter enjoyed having Marilyn coming into Castle Rock school and reading to the class. We also enjoyed her company when she drove my oldest daughter to Madison for a doctor appointment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Ed and Family, Heaven recieved a angel in Marilyn. Hold each other close and share your memories. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Janis & Family, There is so little one can say, but my heart goes out to your & family in sympathy & prayer.
Nancy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Dear Ed and Family, It was such a pleasure to know Marilyn. She was truly an inspiration to me as well as many people.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Ed and family, I feel so blessed to have gotten to know what a special person Marilyn was. We shared love, laughter and our struggles with cancer. She will always be special to me.