FAIRMONT — Marilyn Rusch, 92, passed away peacefully Friday, May 24, 2024, with husband, Ken, and loving family by her side. A private service is planned at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Marilyn Ann Bauhs was born Dec. 7, 1931, to Victor and Leona Bauhs in Faulkton, S.D. She grew up there, graduating from high school in 1949, and then attended the College of St. Teresa in Winona, Minn.

Marilyn met the love of her life, Ken Rusch, when she was just 12. They became high school sweethearts and maintained a long-distance romance during her time at St. Teresa’s. On April 9, 1951, Marilyn and Ken were united in a marriage that would carry them through more than 73 years. This union was blessed with four children: Kathryn, Karen, Thomas and James.

Marilyn devoted her life to her family. As a wife, she was a steadfast partner. As a mother, she was loving and supportive. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she was fun and doting. She created a warm and inviting home where all were welcome.

Marilyn came from a musical family and was blessed with a beautiful soprano voice. She began performing at the age of four with sister Carol singing alto and mother Leona accompanying on piano. As an adult, she continued to sing with various musical groups, including the St. John Vianney choir, Fairmont’s Mozart Marching Society and the Singing Ranchers in Arizona. Her children and grandchildren carry on her musical legacy.

Marilyn and Ken moved to Fairmont in 1969 and built a wonderful life. They enjoyed boating, golfing, playing cards, attending school events and socializing with family and friends. They were blessed with an early and long retirement and, for many years, split time between Fairmont and their snowbird home in Mesa, Ariz. These years are filled with amazing experiences and memories and allowed Marilyn to indulge her love of music, reading, lunches with girlfriends and weekly bridge matches.

Marilyn possessed a deep and abiding faith, with a “this too shall pass” outlook that carried her through life’s ups and downs. She and Ken have supported St. John Vianney Catholic Church for more than 50 years with Marilyn serving in circles and committees in addition to lending her voice to the choir.

Her memory will be cherished by husband, Ken; children: Kathryn Rusch (Michael Lange), Karen (Rod) Dawson, Thomas (Heidi) Rusch and James (Cathy) Rusch; grandchildren: Rye (Anne) Lange, Andrew Lange (Kathy), Chad (Ashley) Dawson, Chelsea (Joel) Hansen, Seth Dawson, Elsa Rusch, Luke (Magartu) Rusch, Hannah Rusch (Didier), Grace Rusch (Jared), Joseph (Kate) Rusch; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Shari Boehnen; in-laws, Corinne Bowar, Bob and Darlene Rusch, Darlene Bauhs and Peggy Hafsoos; many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Leona; mother and father in-law, Emma and Clarence Rusch; granddaughter, Ria Lange; sister, Carol Benson; brothers, Robert and Donald Bauhs; and in-laws, Taylor Benson, David Boehnen, Irene and Jack Cooper, Clifford and Marilyn Rusch and Joseph Bowar.

Cards and well wishes can reach the family through Lakeview at 205 Albion Ave., Fairmont, MN 56031. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marilyn’s memory may be made to UHD Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 160, Blue Earth, MN 56013 or Saint John Vianney School Endowment, 901 South Prairie Ave., Fairmont, MN 56031. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net