Obituary of Marilyn J. Kurn

KURN, Marilyn J.

Gaylord, Michigan formerly of Freeland

Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at The Brook of Gaylord. She was 96 years old. Marilyn J. Braun was born on April 20, 1929 in Saginaw to Martin and Edna (Ahlgrim) Braun. Marilyn attended Holy Cross Lutheran School, graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1946 and then graduated from Valparaiso University in 1952. She taught first grade in Flint and Saginaw. She married her best friend and sweetheart, Dr. Samuel P. Kurn, on November 26, 1953 in Valparaiso, Indiana. Together they celebrated 60 wonderful years together, until his passing on June 11, 2014. Marilyn was instrumental in starting the Goody Closet having three locations in Freeland, Chesaning and Saginaw for over 15 years. She enjoyed living in Freeland for 67 years, until December of 2022 when she moved to the Gaylord area. Marilyn enjoyed calligraphy, writing, poetry, crafting, antiquing, playing bridge, hosting parties and spending time with family and friends. She was also an avid skier, and was a Race Official for downhill skiing at the 1980 Winter Olympics held at Lake Placid, New York. 

Marilyn is survived by three sons and a daughter: Mark (Ellen) Kern, Jeffrey Kurn, Nancy Kurn and Dr. David (Olga) Kurn; six grandchildren: Dr. Heidi, Steven, Michael, Sara, Kristina, and Spencer; sister, Maryann Preisinger; sister-in-law, Lois Braun.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Edna; husband, Dr. Samuel Kurn; brothers, Robert and Gerald Braun.

FUNERAL: Funeral Services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Robert Schultz will officiate with private burial to follow at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery.

VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the St. Mark Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor's choice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.