Marion L. Durheim

PORTAGE — Marion Durheim, age 87, of Portage, passed away on December 24, 2017, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison with her son Bob by her side.

Marion Lucille Gray was born on December 29, 1929, the daughter of Leon and Vera (McMillen) Gray on the Endeavor family farm during the Great Depression. She was the second youngest of eight children. She attended the Endeavor school and graduated in 1947 from Endeavor High School. After graduation, Marion worked at a bank in Madison. Marion enjoyed singing, dancing, and being a cheerleader in her younger years. In her later years, she helped start the Endeavor High School reunions. Marion wrote a story on her “Growing Up Years”. She was proud of her family genealogy and of her many grandparents dating back as far as the 1600s. Marion and her husband Arnold Durheim were married for 32 years. He passed away on April 30, 1987, in Arizona. Marion was a member of the United Church of Christ in Endeavor and an active member for a number of years.  

Survivors include her son Robert L. (Darla) Kampen of Endeavor, stepdaughter Beverly Fors (Gary) of Minnesota, grandchildren Stephanie (Justin) Gaunt of Poynette, Marie (Mike) Puterbaugh of Montello, Tari (Scott) Waite of Venice, FL, Kim (Wade) Nelson, Holly (Bryce) Foly, Sheri La Buhn, and Heather (Bob) Longmore all of Minnesota, Jennifer Tzar of New York, 15 great-grandchildren, sisters Ruth Fandrich of Florida, June Parrott of Endeavor, and many nieces and nephews. Marion was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a brother Albert Gray, sisters Irene Colburn, Florence Schroeder, Doris Powell, Leona Chaney and stepson Jerry Durheim. 

Funeral services will be held at Trinity UCC Church in Endeavor, Wisconsin, on Sunday, December 31, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Tom Countryman officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Endeavor. Visitation will be at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity UCC in Endeavor.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, Tivoli Nursing Home and Divine Savior Emergency for their kindness and support during this time. You truly helped us through this difficult time.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.