Marilyn Joyce Farber age 81 of Papillion, Nebraska, formerly of Walnut Grove, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2014. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1 at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove. Visitation is 5:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Burial is in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Marilyn Joyce Farber was born January 12, 1933 in Norwood, Minnesota to Herbert and Althea (Mankenberg) Pieper. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Young America. Marilyn attended Norwood/Young America Public School and graduated in 1950. She graduated from Mankato State Teachers College in 1952 and began teaching in Walnut Grove in 1952 as the 1st grade teacher. On January 30, 1954 Marilyn was married to Allan Andrew Farber of Walnut Grove. In 1955 they moved to the family farmstead 2 miles west of Walnut Grove after Al got out of the service. They raised six children on their farm. Marilyn gave up her love for teaching to raise her children; she did eventually go back to working at the school as a teacher’s aide. Marilyn also loved to bake and cook, especially homemade apple cakes and pies, and her infamous potato salad. She joined a few of her best friends and worked with them in a catering business for several years. She loved to sing, sew, make crafts with her friends, garden, can farm grown, fresh produce, such as jams, jellies, pickles, applesauce and salsa. She enjoyed ceramics and crocheted many afghans. She participated in a Friday morning coffee group, many of which became her best friends. Al and Marilyn were also big fans of cards and hosting card parties. Marilyn loved to bowl and walk on a regular basis. She was involved in the organization of TOPS and KOPS, and was a Cub Scout Den Mother, a member of the Legion Auxiliary, ELCA women circle, 20th Century Club, Amicus Study Club, and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant. One of Marilyn and Al’s favorite pastimes was to travel to visit their kids and grandkids to support their various activities and jobs. Due to a car accident, Marilyn and Allan moved from the family farm on September 1, 2009 into town at Country View Assisted Living. In November of 2011, they moved to Nebraska where they have resided since, to be near their daughter Louise. After a long battle with Alzheimers, Marilyn lost her fight.
Marilyn is survived by her husband Allan, her children Jeff (Sue) of Walnut Grove, Tom (Lori) of Britton, SD, Brad (Nadine) of Bruce, SD, Bret of Watertown, SD, Louise Dornbusch (David) of Papillion, NE, and Amy Farber Knowles of Cedar Park, TX; 18 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and her younger brother Gary Pieper. She is preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Althea Pieper, older brother Herb, and younger sister Louise Bakke. Marilyn was loved greatly by her family and friends. Blessed be her memory.
tom, Teresa and I send you our deepest sympathy, your family is in our prayers.
To the Farber family…..I am so sorry for your loss….but know that many prayers have been heading your way since we knew of Marilyn’s change in health…and hope that the time you had together in the final days with family….will give you some comfort in the days ahead. Take care and may God Bless you all…… Jon
Jeff and Family our sincere condolences on the lost of your Mother, From listening to you describe her, She was a wonderful person and will be missed but she is at peace now. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
So sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. It sounds like she was a wonderful lady. I have been following your post on Facebook Amy and just wanted to let you know I have been thinking of you and your family. God be with you. Sherri Pike
Ever since college Marilyn has been like a second mom to me. She always welcomed me into their home and treated me like family. She was a wonderful lady and I will miss her. My sympathy and love to the whole family. I love you guys and share your sorrow.
My sympathy to the Farber family. I will always remember Marilyn as the new 1st grade teacher in fall of 1952, I was a senior in High school & spent my free hour in Joyce Groot”s 2nd grade room right next door. I was so inspired by the joy they had with their teaching jobs. Such good memories from WGHS.
We wanted to send the entire Farber family our condolences on Marilyn’s passing. Floods of memories came back to me of our parents close friendship for so many years. I’m sure Marilyn and Judy are setting up there first coffee together! I remember being at the Farber house many times with my Mom, and having Marilyn at our home for those afternoon get togethers! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you all cherish the memories of your Mom and hold them close to your heart. The memories will help you through this difficult time and may even help provide a smile or a small laugh for you. Again, our heart felt sympathy to you all. Sorry I was unable to make it to the Memorial and funeral. Godspeed to you all.
Greg and Elliott.
I read in the Tracy paper that Marilyn had died. I am so sorry! Her last years had to have been a struggle for the whole family, watching her lose her memory. I send my sympathy and prayers. What now, you rebuild.
Bernie & George Starken