Marilyn R. Bawinkel

Marilyn R. Bawinkel went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, after struggling with Alzheimer's Disease. Marilyn was born October 27, 1933, to Paul and Charlotte (Wainwright) Akins and grew up in Warren, Illinois. She graduated from Warren High School in 1951 and Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Freeport in 1954. She worked as a nurse at Deaconess Hospital (now FHN) and later at the Stephenson Nursing Center. On June 14, 1955, Marilyn married Leon Bawinkel of German Valley who preceded her in death in 1987. Marilyn is survived by her children Richard (Anne), of Munster, Indiana; David (Mary), of Winnebago, Illinois; and Laurie, of Lake Worth, Florida. She is also survived by two grandsons, Andrew, of Rockford; and Devan (Katie) of Freeport and two great-granddaughters, Avery and Alivia of Freeport. She is also survived by her well-known canine companion Mollie. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Charlotte Akins. Marilyn was an active member of Community Reformed Church of Freeport. She also volunteered for several years at the Senior Center in Freeport. Marilyn was a loving mother and a faithful friend. She greatly enjoyed the time she spent with her family and friends. She was a great supporter of her family members' activities. She attended countless football, volleyball, baseball and basketball games and recitals. She was lovingly known as "Grandma" at her grandsons' Winnebago sports activities and the other fans sitting near her knew she would always have some candy for them. Marilyn lived in Freeport until she moved to Prairie View Assisted Living in Winnebago in 2013. As a family we are very grateful to the Prairie View staff for the gracious and loving care they gave to mom and to her faithful companion Mollie. Services for Marilyn will be 11:00 A.M. Friday December 18, 2015 at Community Reformed Church in Freeport. Family and friends may visit with the family Thursday from 3:00-7:00 P.M. also at Community Reformed Church. (1421 West Galena Ave. Freeport, IL 61032) Burial will be in Silver Creek Reformed Church Cemetery in German Valley. Memorials may be directed to Community Reformed Church, the Freeport Memorial Alumni Nurses Scholarship, to the Alzheimer's Association. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign her online guestbook and to share memories.