Marleen Mawhinney

Marleen was born on July 18, 1943, in Winner, SD, to Peter and Mary (Flemming) Struck, and grew up all over South Dakota. As a child, Marleen enjoyed watching and playing baseball. She said while attending country school it was always a popular game to play. Marleen was a long-time Minnesota Twins fan, and also grew to become a Denver Bronco, Nebraska Husker, and Kansas City Chief fan. On September 21, 1963, Marleen married Gary Mawhinney. They were married 42 years before Gary passed away. They raised three daughters and one son: Marjorie Struck of Florida, Kim (Rob) Benson of Iowa, Robert Mawhinney of Colorado, and Jennifer (Jeffrey) Raburn of Kansas.

She was a hard worker. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, her cats, and a few close friends. In her spare time, she gardened, went on walks, and volunteered at St. John Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD.

Fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s disease made it necessary for her to reside in assisted living facilities and nursing homes the last 17 years.

The Bible has been her inspiration and her greatest accomplishment was knowing the Lord.

Marleen Mawhinney, age 80, passed away January 24, 2024, at St. John’s nursing home in Kearney, NE.

Marleen is survived by all of her children; seven granddaughters; three grandsons; six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; three older sisters; one brother; and a sister-in-law Sheryl (Dave) Shanholtz of Illinois.

She is preceded in death by her husband Gary; parents; in-laws; and three siblings.

A memorial service will be at a later date. Kotrba-Smith is in charge of arrangements.