Marilyn Jean Desens

Marilyn Jean Desens, born April 15, 1923 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Pontiac, Illinois, passed away peacefully September 22nd, 2016. Marilyn was the daughter of Francis T. Walsh Atty at Law and Winifred Ahern Walsh. She had one brother, Thomas T. Desens who was born May 2, 1925. Marilyn attended St Mary's Catholic School in Pontiac, Illinois until 6th grade when family moved to Campus, Illinois. She graduated from Campus Public School and Reddick Community High School in Reddick, Illinois, class of 1941. She attended Illinois State University and the University of Illinois for three years and was married on July 24, 1945 to Major Sherwin Desens, her high school sweetheart. Settling down in Milton Junction, Wisconsin the couple became parents of surviving children Nancy Sue in 1946 and Paul Thomas (Lynn) in March of 1950. During the Korean war Sherwin flew air sea rescue for the Air Force from to Clark AFB in the Philippines. The family followed when housing was available. A series of military assignments followed in Maryland, Alabama, Idaho, Washington DC, Arkansas, and Nebraska until 1973 then retiring to Colorado. They designed and constructed a home in Perry Park near Larkspur. Retirement included attending classes at various Elder hostels and traveling. Hobbies included golfing, both for fun and exercise, collecting Majolica pottery, and photography. Survived by two children, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. They have made Wind Crest home since October, 2007. She will be greatly missed by all her friends and family. A private ceremony will be held at Fort Logan national Cemetery, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association of Colorado at lung.org. Please share memories of Marilyn and condolences with the family by signing the guestbook below.