April 15, 1940 - April 12, 2024
Marilyn Ann (Scheleen) Edde, born April 15, 1940, in Manhattan, Kansas, peacefully passed away on April 12, 2024, three days short of her 84th birthday. She was the cherished daughter of Arthur and Elsie Scheleen and enjoyed a wonderful childhood filled with love, surrounded by cousins, friends, and family. During her time at Kansas State University, Marilyn met the love of her life, Howard J Edde, at a student Lutheran group. She excelled academically, earning two degrees in four years: a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing form the University of Kansas.
On September 9, 1961, Marilyn and Howard exchanged vows, beginning a journey that took them to various places across the country and around the world. Their first child, Michael Howard, was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1964. In 1969, while residing in Baltimore, Maryland, they joyfully welcomed their daughter, Heather Lynne, through adoption. Their youngest daughter, Sonja Liisa, was born in Helsinki, Finland, in 1971, during their time there for Howard's work. In 1972, the family settled in Bellevue, Washington, where they made their home for over 50 years.
Though Marilyn experienced the profound loss of her beloved Howie in 2000, she found strength and solace in the unwavering support of her family and friends. As a result of this experience she used her skills to be a volunteer facilitator for an early-onset dementia support group through the Alzheimer's Association. She was a woman of many talents and passions. Marilyn had a zest for travel, an artistic flair, and was an incredible seamstress who lovingly crafted matching outfits for her children when they were young, numerous junior high and high school formal dance dresses over the years, as well as exquisite wedding dresses. She had a poetic soul and found great joy in immersing herself in literature.
Marilyn was immensely proud of her family, and she cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. Marli rarely missed an event whether it be a school event or sporting event and was her grandkids biggest fan. She leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration of faith and memories that will be forever treasured by her children, Michael Edde, Heather and Brad Anderson, and Sonja and Guy Feldman, as well as her grandchildren, Brady and Courtney Anderson, and Collin and Caden Feldman.
In honor of Marilyn's life, a memorial service will be held on May 3rd at 1:00pm at Saint Andrew's Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Washington. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace, reunited with her beloved Howie in God's loving embrace.
Live stream link to service: https://salc.church/edde