Marilyn Kienbaum, known throughout our small city for her tireless charitable works, and long tenure of political representation, passed away Saturday evening in the company of her family. She was aged eighty-six.
Words of remembrance, sincerely expressed, are fitting. One could not say we shared the same politics; one should and must say that those differences do not matter. Mrs. Kienbaum was unique among the public figures of this city, and would have been unique in any city, for her powerful combination of public and private concern for others. Even considering the many in Whitewater who have made a cause their own, she was nonpareil.
Born of a generation when the opportunity for women in public life was less than for those far younger, she yet achieved more than others of easier circumstances. Whitewater has had a good share of neighbors who have acted publicly or served privately; she was a happy combination of both.
Her passing is, naturally, a particular loss for her family, to whom I offer my sympathy, and a general loss for our community, that we will bear together.
We may be grateful that we had the kind fortune of Marilyn Kienbaum’s service and charity during our own time.
Very nice tribute, Mr. Adams.
She was a lady in every sense of the word.