Marilyn Rubenthaler
February 22, 1934 — October 24, 2016
Marilyn Jean Rubenthaler, 82, of Gothenburg, Nebraska passed away unexpectedly on October 24, 2016 at the Lexington Regional Hospital in Lexington, Nebraska.
Marilyn was born to Arthur and Martha (Miller) Kratzenstein, on February 22, 1934 in Wild Horse Valley on the family farm near Brady, Nebraska. She graduated from Gothenburg High School in 1951 and from Kearney Teacher’s College in 1953, after which she taught school for several years. On June 20, 1954, she married Jim Rubenthaler at the Svea Dal Evangelical Covenant Church north of Brady. During their 62 years of marriage, they raised four children on the family farm, which has been in their families for over 100 years. Marilyn enjoyed her family and attended as many of her kids’ and grandkids’ activities as she could. She loved to “dig in the dirt” and raised beautiful flowers, especially roses. She made home-made cinnamon rolls every Saturday and continued to do so long after her children were grown. She often would deliver the extras to her neighbors! She enjoyed listening to, singing, and playing music and played for many weddings and funerals. She played for her first wedding at the age of 14! Marilyn was an active member of the Svea Dal Church, playing the organ and piano for services, teaching Sunday School, and helping out wherever she could. She was also a member of the Svea Dal Ladies Ministries, the Spannuth Women’s Extension Club, Pounce-A-Dears China Painting Club and Birthday Club.
Marilyn is survived by her husband Jim of Gothenburg; daughter Marcia of Brady, daughter Robin (Ron) Hines of North Platte, son Matt (Jennifer) of Lincoln, daughter Gretchen (Troy) David of Brady; five grandchildren, Allison, Derek, Brooke, Trevor, and Lizzie; three step-grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, Gemmia; brother John (Darlene) Kratzenstein of Brady, Karen Kroeker, of Brady, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Visitation for Marilyn will be held at the Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg, Nebraska, on Friday, October 28, 2016 from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with family present from 5:00 to 7:00.
Funeral Services will be held at the Evangelical Free Church, 1721 Lake Ave., Gothenburg, Nebraska on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to The Gideon's International, P.O. Box 133, Gothenburg, Nebraska 69138 or Svea Dal Evangelical Covenant Church, 1676 Svea Dal Road, Brady, Nebraska 69123.
To sign the online guest book, please go to www.blasestrauser.com.