Marilyn Gardner, 87, of Farnam, Nebraska, died August 8, 2023 at Hilltop Estates, in Gothenburg, NE.

Marilyn was born December 10, 1935 to Elvin and Pansy (Thomalla) Peirsol. She grew up in Farnam and helped with the family run business the Farnam Cafe (Peirsol Cafe) as a teenager. Marilyn graduated from Farnam High School in 1953 and went on to attend beauty school in Hastings.

On July 10, 1955, she was united in marriage to Elvin Dale Gardner. They moved south of Farnam where they farmed, had dairy cows and Marilyn had a beauty shop in their home. In 1960, they were blessed with a little girl, Launa Kay, who became their daughter. In 1961 a little boy Tracy Lee, also joined their family.

Marilyn was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Rebekah Lodge and the Sunshine Extension Club. In retirement, they worked in Yellowstone Park. Marilyn worked in the gift shop at Old Faithful Lodge. They enjoyed traveling the country and later spent winters in the south.

She is survived by a daughter Launa Hopkins (Bradley) of Almena Kansas; a son Tracy Gardner (Teresa) of Curtis; five grandchildren: Nathan Hopkins (Rochelle) and their son Zayden; Ryan Hopkins his son Owen; Amanda Wayne (Trey) their daughter Emerie; Miranda Johnson (and family); Jordan Gardner (Sierra) and their son Kolter. Brother-in-law Raymond Weathers; sister-in-law Dee Peirsol; several other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elvin and Pansy; her brother Keithen; sister-in-law Dorothy Peirsol, nephew Bobby Peirsol, father-in-law Clyde Gardner; mother-in-law Jennie Gardner and sister-in-law Eula Weathers.

Visitation with family present will be Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel.

Funeral Services will take place on Monday, August 14, 2023 at the Farnam Methodist Church with Lonna Grabenstein, PMA officiating.

Burial will follow in the Farnam Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Farnam Methodist Church, 303 Caribou Street, Farnam, NE 69029, Farnam Senior Center, 214 Main Street, Farnam, NE 69029, or the Nebraska Children’s Home Society, 4939 South 118th street, Omaha, NE 68137.

Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, August 10, 2023