Marilyn Joyce Giesen was born October 12, 1938 in Anthony, Kansas to Richard Carlson and Alpha (Francis) Cook. Marilyn attended Anthony schools and then moved to Marion, Kansas her freshman year of high school. She lived there one year then moved to Winfield, Kansas. The beginning of her junior year in high school her family returned to Anthony.

In the summer of 1954, Marilyn met Bill Giesen from Harper, Kansas on a blind date. They were married on February 6, 1956 at the Anthony Christian Church. She completed her senior year and graduated with the Anthony High School class of 1956. They went on to raise five sons and were married fifty-five years before Bill's death on May 4 ^th , 2011.

Marilyn worked at the Anthony Republican for ten years. She was a cook at Anthony Friendship Meals and became manager in 1989. Marilyn was an active member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, Eta Alpha Chapter in Anthony for many years. Marilyn enjoyed sharing many fun times with many friends.

Marilyn's life was happy and full, with her five boys all active in sports and activities. Marilyn and Bill traveled many miles to never ever miss a game. After the boys were grown and married, life didn't slow down as it filled with grandchildren that she loved and followed just as faithfully while her health would permit.

Preceding Marilyn in death are her parents, Richard and Alpha Cook; husband, Bill Giesen; sister-in-law, Barbara Cook; nephew, Richard Carlson Cook; daughter-in-law, Janet Beth Giesen; and granddaughter, Leah Katherine Giesen.

Marilyn is survived by brothers, Eldon Cook of Wellington, Kansas and Bob (Barry) Cook of Leawood, Kansas.

Marilyn is survived by sons: Billy (Andi) of Anthony, Kansas, Brad (Pam) of Anthony, Kansas, Ron (Bonny) of Anthony, Kansas, Rich (Joni) of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, Scott (Diann) of Douglass, Kansas.

Marilyn is survived by grandchildren: Beth (JC) Zahradnik, Jessica (Tray) Kinney, Alex (Nick) Fender, Aspen (Nathen) Davis, Auni Williams, Russell (Angela) Giesen, Leslie (Joel) Gerber, Jenny (Barry) Lewallen, Bryan Giesen and Briana Zimmerling, Brogy (Edna) Giesen, Abigail Giesen, Carli (Tyler) Cunningham, Madison (Matthew) DeAnda, Lyndi Jo Giesen, Preston (Jessica) Giesen, Kattie (Duane) Frakes.

Marilyn is survived by great-grandchildren: Clarksly, Carter, Monroe, Deacon, Daniel, Jayvyn, Gramerci, Logan, Collins, Aliya, Kamille, Serenity, Cameron, Malik, Harper, Stella, Cora, Abe, Ruben, Ike, Grace, Lilly, Claire, Mattox Jack, Twyla, Oliver, Theo, Dawson, Waylon, Kendal, Camille, Colton, Cooper.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2023 at the Christian Church in Anthony.  Burial will follow in Forest Park Cemetery.

Friends may view and register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony.

Memorials in memory of Marilyn may be made to Anthony Senior Citizens and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.