Marilyn Dunham

Marilyn Jeannine Dunham, 94, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Marilyn was born on February 13, 1930 in Harper, IA, to Lawrence and Marjorie (Besser) Striegel.

On July 25, 1954 in Gary, IN, she married Fredrick Dunham, who preceded her in death.

Surviving Marilyn are her 3 children, Dale (Derwin) Ratzlaff of Colorado Springs, CO, Christine (Bill) Facciponti of Nazareth, PA, and Brian (Jamie) Dunham of La Porte; 14 grandchildren, Nikki, Hannah, Ellis and Ivy Dunham, Britney and Bobbi Dunham, Shane, Toni, Freddy, and Theo Facciponti, Dillon and Shelby Ratzlaff, and Angelina and Matt (Betsy) Dunham; 10 great-grandchildren, Orson, Blair, Norah, Josh, Lilliana, Ethan, Aowyn, Jace, Evvy, and Lydia; brother, Lawrence Striegel of Scottsdale, AZ; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sons, Eric and Robert Dunham; and sister, Carol Fara.

In addition to being a homemaker, Marilyn was an executive secretary. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Service League of La Porte, and Questers Preservation. Marilyn was a longtime member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, actively involved in teaching Sunday School, serving on Altar Guild, ECW and more.

Marilyn was an avid walker, often logging over 3 miles a day. She loved to do needlepoint, crochet afghans, and was a skilled bridge player, baker, and seamstress.

Marilyn will be fondly remembered as the "hostess with the mostest" and for setting the most beautiful tables. She had a knack for shopping and always found the exact item to keep herself and her home dressed to the nines.

She exemplified and ultimately, through her example, gifted her children with the values of hard work, responsibility, and dutifulness.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 11, 2023 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1000 Michigan Ave., La Porte. Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects from 10 - 11 a.m. on Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul's Episcopal Church or to the donor's choice.

Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.com.