1930
Marilyn
2025
Marilyn Kinney
December 2, 1930 — September 15, 2025
Marilyn E. Kinney went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 15, 2025, after a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
Marilyn was born on December 2, 1930, in Muskegon, Michigan, where she cherished her Swedish heritage and the joy of being surrounded by her large Swedish family. After graduating from West Suburban School of Nursing, she married the love of her life, Robert G. Kinney, with whom she shared 67 devoted years of marriage. Together, they made their home in Elgin, Illinois, where they raised their family and built a legacy of faith.
Marilyn and Bob were founding members of Grace Evangelical Church in Elgin, where Marilyn faithfully taught young children’s Sunday School for more than 40 years. Her heart for God’s Word and His people shone brightly through countless Bible studies and a lifelong commitment to supporting missionaries around the globe.
Her love for children extended far beyond her community. For over 40 years, Marilyn and Bob partnered with Compassion International, traveling extensively to serve children in need and to advocate for the poor and downtrodden. After retirement, they moved to Sun City West, Arizona, where they became active members of Trinity Bible Church. There, they continued their service by volunteering in a local thrift shop to benefit the homeless.
Marilyn’s compassion and creativity touched many lives. She worked in a florist shop, delighting in arranging flowers, and volunteered in the maternity ward of a local hospital, indulging her love of babies. She also enjoyed reading, knitting, and birdwatching.
After Robert’s passing, Marilyn moved to North Carolina to be near her son and his wife, where she spent the last five and a half years of her life surrounded by family.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents G. Hilding and Eva Swanson Carlson, her brother Paul Carlson, and her sister Judy Vandekieft.
She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love through her three children: Janet (John) Parker, Robert (Kim) Kinney, and Beth (Rodney) Behm. She was a proud grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of seven, each of whom will carry forward the light of her devotion and example.
The family is deeply grateful to the staff of Hospice of Mecklenburg County and the Tucker Hospice House of Cabarrus County for their tender and loving care in Marilyn’s final days.
Memorial gifts in Marilyn’s honor may be made to Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.
Marilyn was born on December 2, 1930, in Muskegon, Michigan, where she cherished her Swedish heritage and the joy of being surrounded by her large Swedish family. After graduating from West Suburban School of Nursing, she married the love of her life, Robert G. Kinney, with whom she shared 67 devoted years of marriage. Together, they made their home in Elgin, Illinois, where they raised their family and built a legacy of faith.
Marilyn and Bob were founding members of Grace Evangelical Church in Elgin, where Marilyn faithfully taught young children’s Sunday School for more than 40 years. Her heart for God’s Word and His people shone brightly through countless Bible studies and a lifelong commitment to supporting missionaries around the globe.
Her love for children extended far beyond her community. For over 40 years, Marilyn and Bob partnered with Compassion International, traveling extensively to serve children in need and to advocate for the poor and downtrodden. After retirement, they moved to Sun City West, Arizona, where they became active members of Trinity Bible Church. There, they continued their service by volunteering in a local thrift shop to benefit the homeless.
Marilyn’s compassion and creativity touched many lives. She worked in a florist shop, delighting in arranging flowers, and volunteered in the maternity ward of a local hospital, indulging her love of babies. She also enjoyed reading, knitting, and birdwatching.
After Robert’s passing, Marilyn moved to North Carolina to be near her son and his wife, where she spent the last five and a half years of her life surrounded by family.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents G. Hilding and Eva Swanson Carlson, her brother Paul Carlson, and her sister Judy Vandekieft.
She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love through her three children: Janet (John) Parker, Robert (Kim) Kinney, and Beth (Rodney) Behm. She was a proud grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of seven, each of whom will carry forward the light of her devotion and example.
The family is deeply grateful to the staff of Hospice of Mecklenburg County and the Tucker Hospice House of Cabarrus County for their tender and loving care in Marilyn’s final days.
Memorial gifts in Marilyn’s honor may be made to Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marilyn Kinney, please visit our flower store.
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