Marilyn A. Burkhalter, 78, of Gothenburg, formerly of Elwood, Nebraska passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg.

She was born on December 19, 1943, in Kearney, Nebraska to Gerald and A. Doris (Marshall) Elliott. The family made their home on a farm near Riverdale and in 1956 they moved to Lexington. She attended public schools in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1962. She then went onto further education for a year at Kearney State College. Following her time at Kearney State, Marilyn worked at Dawson Public Power in Lexington.

In May of 1965, Marilyn met the love of her life at a District 15 School picnic and was united in marriage to Dale A. Burkhalter on June 5, 1966 at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington. Four children were blessed to this union: Phillip, David, Andrew and Sarah.

Marilyn focused her efforts on caring for the home and raising her children. In 1974, Dale and Marilyn bought a farm south of Elwood where they farmed and would reside until 2019 when they moved to Gothenburg. Marilyn also spent twenty-three years working at Elwood Care Center as a Dietary Cook. She retired in 2015 and Dale preceded her in death in 2019.

Marilyn was a faithful member of the Elwood United Methodist Church, where she was involved in many church activities and was one of the church pianist for many years. She was an active volunteer with the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and enjoyed attending Nebraska Women and Ag. She had many hobbies which included her love for music, gardening, reading, puzzles, baking pies and watching old westerns. Marilyn was an animal lover, especially her chickens. She was meticulous when it came to her appearance and was always dressed to the nines.

Survivors include her children, Phillip (Sharilyn) Burkhalter of Johnson Lake, David (Fabienne) Burkhalter of Elsie, Andrew (Frances) Burkhalter of Scottsbluff and Sarah (Michael) Anderson of Gothenburg; eleven grandchildren and one great-grandson; one brother, Gale (Sharon) Elliott of Vail, Arizona; sisters-in-law, Lela Burkhalter of Creston, Iowa, Mary Louise Edwards of Greenwood, Arkansas, Phyllis Burkhalter of Creston, Iowa and Lucinda Burkhalter of Chariton, Iowa; brother-in-law, Harold Burkhalter of Steamboat Springs, Colorado; as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Besides her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; in-laws, Arthur (Merle) Burkhalter; brothers-in-law, Loren Burkhalter, Earl Burkhalter and Paul Edwards.

Funeral Services will be on Friday, August 12, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the Elwood Methodist Church with Pastor Sarah Neben, officiating.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the Elwood Methodist Church.

Interment will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska at 2:00 p.m.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com