Marilyn R. Patterson (83) of Strasburg

Marilyn R. Patterson, 83, of Strasburg, IL, died at 7:50 p.m. Friday, September 23, 2022, in Shelbyville, IL.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at Grace Lutheran Church in Strasburg, IL, with Rev. Kene Whybrew officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm, Tuesday September 27, 2022, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home in Strasburg, IL. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL.

Born June 27, 1939, Marilyn was the daughter of William “Bill” and Evalina “Eva” (Marten) Kroening. She graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1957 and married Robert “Bob” Patterson on August 30, 1957, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Shelbyville.

While a freshman in high school Marilyn began taking organ lessons, launching her life of service to her church. As organist at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Shelbyville and then at Grace Lutheran Church in Strasburg, her music led others in worship for more than five decades.  

Marilyn also worked tirelessly teaching Sunday School, leading Vacation Bible Schools, and serving in the Grace Ladies Aid, holding the office of President for many years.

In the community, Marilyn spent years as a member of the Shelby Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was also a 4-H Leader and a faithful volunteer at Strasburg Lion’s Club events.

Even with all these acts of care and service, the one most dear to her heart was her “Mission of Cards.” Marilyn sat at her kitchen table and wrote Bible verses and personal notes in hundreds of greeting cards, birthday cards, anniversary cards, Christmas cards, sympathy cards and get well cards each year. For many people, her cards were the only ones they received, and they received them faithfully year after year.

Marilyn is survived by her children Kathy (Pat) Yakey of Mode, IL, Cindy (Phil) Neff of Brownsburg, IN, Debbie (Eric) Frash of Nineveh, IN, granddaughters Rachel and Amanda Neff, and Hannah, Kelly, Morgan, Shawna (McCrimmon) and Veronica Frash, sister-in-law Sue Kroening of Mattoon, IL, and brother-in-law Rick (Dee) Patterson of Athens, TN.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Bob Patterson, her parents, Bill and Eva Kroening, her parents-in-law, Fred and Ruby Patterson, and her brothers, Bill Kroening and Rob Kroening.

Memorials may be given to American Red Cross or Lutheran World Relief. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Strasburg, IL.

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