Marilyn Kurn

Marilyn Kurn

April 20, 1929 - December 31, 2025

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Obituary

KURN, Marilyn J.

Gaylord, Michigan formerly of Freeland

Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at The Brook of Gaylord. She was 96 years old. Marilyn J. Braun was born on April 20, 1929 in Saginaw to Martin and Edna (Ahlgrim) Braun. Marilyn attended Holy Cross Lutheran School, graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1946 and then graduated from Valparaiso University in 1952. She taught first grade in Flint and Saginaw. She married her best friend and sweetheart, Dr. Samuel P. Kurn, on November 26, 1953 in Valparaiso, Indiana. Together they celebrated 60 wonderful years together, until his passing on June 11, 2014. Marilyn was instrumental in starting the Goody Closet having three locations in Freeland, Chesaning and Saginaw for over 15 years. She enjoyed living in Freeland for 67 years, until December of 2022 when she moved to the Gaylord area. Marilyn enjoyed calligraphy, writing, poetry, crafting, antiquing, playing bridge, hosting parties and spending time with family and friends. She was also an avid skier, and was a Race Official for downhill skiing at the 1980 Winter Olympics held at Lake Placid, New York. 

Marilyn is survived by three sons and a daughter: Mark (Ellen) Kern, Jeffrey Kurn, Nancy Kurn and Dr. David (Olga) Kurn; six grandchildren: Dr. Heidi, Steven, Michael, Sara, Kristina, and Spencer; sister, Maryann Preisinger; sister-in-law, Lois Braun.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Edna; husband, Dr. Samuel Kurn; brothers, Robert and Gerald Braun.

FUNERAL: Funeral Services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Robert Schultz will officiate with private burial to follow at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery.

VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the St. Mark Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor's choice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.

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AM
Autumn Meyers
Other •
I enjoyed spending time with Marilyn and Sam and the rest of the family on holidays and such. Marilyn was always so gracious to open her beautiful home and pool and invite everyone over. Where everyone enjoyed each other's company and had fun with good conversations, games, food, and laughter. I miss those times and will forever hold them dear in my heart. Marilyn was an amazing person and will be missed by all who knew her.
AK
A Memorial Tree was planted for Marilyn Kurn
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Deisler Funeral Home
CO
Carla and Tom Obringer
Other •
Marilyn was such a Classy and Artistic Person and very humorous with a big smile, especially in the company of her Husband, Dr. Kurn at Family Events. May the two of them by reunited in their heavenly home! Sincerely, Carla and Tom Obringer
RP
Regina Provenzano
Other •
I've known the Kurn family for 61 years. I worked for Marilyn at the Goodie Closet from 1987 to 1999, when she retired. She was a great businesswoman who knew how to run a business, and she had a good eye for what people wanted to buy. She followed the stock market, bought and sold on her own, and did well. She taught my sister and me a lot about the stock market. We would visit her with Nancy, and we'd always get a stock tip. I'm going to miss our monthly visits and our weekly phone calls. Marilyn, you were the best boss, best friend, and best second mother. I'm going to miss you! - Regina
KS
Kathy Seman
Other •
Kathy Seman
MB
Martin Braun
Other •
When I was growing up in North Carolina, our family always looked forward to visits from Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Sam and their four children. As I remember her, Aunt Marilyn was always friendly and kind and had something nice to say about everyone. I was always amazed by her gentle but enthusiastic reactions to things, with her expressions of surprise and her “oohs” and her raised eyebrows. Aunt Marilyn was very generous, kind and diplomatic. Many years later, during a visit to the Saginaw area, she kindly took me and Ailsa and our girls around town and showed us the houses where she and my dad (Bob Braun) and their family grew up, and she had us over to her house where we had a very pleasant visit together. I have fond memories of Aunt Marilyn, which I will cherish the rest of my life. – Martin Braun

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