Marilyn Seiker

Marilyn (Larkin) Seiker came into this world during the Depression. She was born to James and Mary (Barry) Larkin, March 20, 1932, on a farm near Benedict, Nebraska. What they lacked in material things, they made up in love and faith. She will be deeply missed by family and friends. Marilyn Seiker’s Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on July 13, 2024 at New Cassel Retirement Community, 900 North 90th Street, Omaha, NE 68114. A Celebration of Life will follow in the New Cassel Auditorium where she will be remembered in word and song. Financial memorial gifts can be given to Nebraska Public Media or New Cassel Foundation. Marilyn relished in a job well done. She quoted often, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” 4-H was a big part of her family’s life, with her daddy as mentor, she brought home the award for the State Grand Champion Steer as well as represented York as its County Fair Queen. She graduated from Benedict High School in 1949 and The College of Saint Mary’s in 1951 with a teaching degree. During this time, she developed her beautiful soprano singing voice and love of writing. On August 6, 1955, Marilyn married Francis Seiker and settled on a farm in Elmwood, Nebraska where they raised four daughters. Together they challenged each other to continue growing and learning. They were active in their church and community. Even into their later years, they felt it was their civic responsibility to stay abreast of current news. Marilyn continued reading the Omaha World-Herald front to back daily and watched local and national news religiously. Her passion for writing led her to being hired as a journalist for The Omaha Stock Yards shortly after graduating from college. She continued writing for various publications like Call to Action and The Omaha Parade. She used her writing skills to lovingly chronicle each grandchild’s life from birth through high school graduation, capturing precious moments with each grandchild, a testament to her commitment to family. Over the years, Marilyn modeled faith and service to others. She taught CCD into her 80’s, cared lovingly for her father-in-law for the last few years of his life, volunteered as a Team Mate in local schools and campaigned for political local and national candidates. Marilyn had the rare gift of acceptance without judgement, enjoying everyone without exception and finding the best in each person. She was open-minded and a great listener. Even in disagreement, she communicated in a gentle and respectful way. As a mother and grandmother, she gave each child/grandchild the gift of a listening ear and wise advice when asked. In her later years, she showed her family how to age with grace, faith, wit and humility. Marilyn lived her faith. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Francis. Others preceding her were the following: parents James and Mary Larkin, parents-in-law Edward and Cecilia Seiker, brother James Larkin, sister and brother-in-laws Sister Catherine Seiker RSCJ, Edward and Mary Meredith, Robert and Anne Pope and sister-in-law Theresa Seiker. She is survived by her four daughters and their spouses: Dorothy and Kevin J. Sillau, Mary and Rodney Ulmer, Margaret and David Carson, and Kathleen and Douglas Eggen. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Vincent Seiker, sister-in-law, Lenora Larkin, 13 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. The family would like to acknowledge the excellent community and care Marilyn experienced at New Cassel Retirement Center and The Josie Harper Hospice House.

Marilyn Seiker

March 20, 1932 - June 25, 2024