Marie Burnell (Mitchell) Silrum was born on December 15, 1922 at her parents’ home in rural Fenton, Iowa. She grew up on her parents’, Morris and Elsie (Meling) Mitchell’s, farm, attended a one-room schoolhouse near her home through eighth grade, and graduated from Sentral High School, Fenton, IA in 1940. After high school Marie attended teachers’ college and taught school briefly prior to attending the Fairview Hospital School of Nursing. Marie graduated and became a Registered Nurse in September 1947. One week later on September 13, 1947, she married Edwin O. Silrum.
Marie was happiest when she could help others. She delighted in her professional career as a Registered Nurse, spending many years working in hospitals and at nursing homes. She ended her career as the Director of Nurses at the Tri-State Convalescent Center in Clarkston, WA. Most of her career she worked nights so she could be present for her family in the evenings when they were at home. In retirement, she became a cancer support group leader. Her calm presence was the tireless support of many experiencing chronic and terminal conditions. Those individuals and the communities in which Marie lived and served are better places as beneficiaries of her powerful ministry.
Exceedingly grateful for her compassionate guidance and loving spirit are her five children: Linda Silrum, St. Paul, MN; Kyle (Carol) Silrum, Vista, CA; Lois (Mark) Docken, Chatfield, MN; Mary (Dennis) Mitchell, Lone Rock, IA; I. James (Marci) Silrum, Mandan, ND. Memories of the enriching relationship and all the special times they shared with their grandmother are cherished by Daniella Jeska-Silrum, Seth Jeska-Silrum, Kirstin (Daron) Showalter, Steffen Docken, Tessia Rockey (Patrick Rhodes) and Soren Docken. Marie was preceded in death by her husband Edwin, her parents, and one sister Arlene Haller. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, a sister Elaine Davidson, a brother Dale (Mary) Mitchell, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friend Carolyn Mickelberg as well as a host of friends.
Marie was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend, and servant of her Lord. Her role as ‘pastor’s wife’ is one that she assumed with grace and pride, teaching Sunday School, hosting events, attending countless meetings, supporting the congregational ministries wherever she was. The parsonages and later, their homes, were her primary domain and caring for, loving, and supporting her children were life-long activities. When grandchildren became part of the family, she was thrilled and celebrated each of them and their lives and accomplishments. She will be remembered as “the sweetest” lady anyone has ever met. Her life of serving, generosity, love, compassion, and forgiveness was the manner in which she chose to teach: she was a role model for all she touched. Her legacy lives on through those who loved her and learned from her.
Marie entered her heavenly home on Saturday, February 7, 2015. Condolences may be left at www.klecatskys.com
A celebration of her life will be at Easter Lutheran Church, 4200 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 11:00. There will be a gathering with the family at 10:00 and a lunch follows the service. Interment is later in the afternoon at Fort Snelling. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers. Memorials to: Chatfield Lutheran Church, Depew Lutheran Church, Easter Lutheran Church, Fraser Academy, hospice.
