Marilyn Srsen, 73
Marilyn Srsen, 73, of Blooming Prairie, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at her home on Aug. 16, 2009, surrounded by her family. 
She was born Feb. 1, 1936 to Carl and Olive (Fennefos) Swanson in Hartland, Minn. She graduated from New Richland High School in 1953 and went on to graduate in 1957 from Mankato State University, Mankato, Minn. On Sept. 23, 1958 Marilyn and James Srsen were married in Mankato. While Jim was in the service, Marilyn taught in St. James, Minn. In 1961, they made their home in Zumbrota until 1966 when they moved to Blooming Prairie. Marilyn was a counselor and physical education teacher at Blooming Prairie High School, and later taught social studies until she retired in 1998. She was a member of St. Columbanus Catholic Church and CCW. Familiar to collectors around southern Minnesota, she was an avid antique hunter/dealer who enjoyed researching her finds, especially old photographs and scrapbooks. A nurturer by nature, Marilyn considered her family her most prized treasure. Known for her easy smile and unique style, Marilyn displayed her wit, strength, and compassion for others until the end.
Survivors include her husband, James Srsen, Blooming Prairie; children, Brian (Kari) Srsen, Austin; Jon (Margaret) Srsen, Blooming Prairie, Julie Srsen, Minneapolis, Kimberly (Chad) Loecher of Northfield; seven grandchildren, Kyle, Jaime, Ryan, Dylan and Nick Srsen; Hannah and Griffin Loecher; one great-grandson, Brody Srsen; sisters, Marianne (Dick) Lees, Austin, Sue (Barry) Heilman, Albert Lea.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Olive and Carl Swanson and a sister, Betty Lou Schildberg.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009 at St. Columbanus Catholic Church with Father William Kulas officiating. Ladies Rosary is at 4 p.m., Wednesday, with a Parish Prayer Service at 5 p.m. Visitation is at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. and at the church one hour prior to the service.