WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Marilyn Barton Wilhelm, age 92, of Venice, Fla., passed away Feb. 13, 2010.
She was born on May 2, 1917 in Sturgis, a daughter of the late John and Elzina Calahan Barton, long-time residents of Sturgis.
Marilyn graduated as co-valedictorian of her 1935 Sturgis High School class. She attended Kalamazoo College and the University of Michigan. She returned to Sturgis High School to teach English for two years before earning her masters degree from the University of Michigan and went on teaching at Grosse Pointe High School.
On Oct. 14, 1944, she married Chris R. Wilhelm, also a 1935 graduate of Sturgis High School. While he was in Europe during World War II, she taught at Kalamazoo Central High School. Their daughter, Linda, was born in 1949 in Detroit. Subsequently, the Wilhelms lived in Battle Creek and Saginaw before moving to Rochester, N.Y., in 1962. Marilyn was very active in the PEO sisterhood and served in a variety of college alumni and church-related activities. In 1980, Chris and Marilyn retired spending winters in Venice.
Surviving are her husband, Chris; daughter, Linda W. King and husband Don of Arlington, Va.; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; and sister, Harriette Connolly.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial will take place later at Oaklawn Cemetery in Sturgis, Mich. A memorial service will take place in Venice, Fla.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donations in Marilyn’s memory consider Venice Presbyterian Church, 111 Firenze Ave., Venice, FL 34285 or a charitable organization of their choice. Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Fla., is handling the arrangements. To send condolences, visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.
