Marilyn Mae Bihuniak's Obituary
Marilyn Mae Bihuniak of Cypress Cove in Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 20, 2019, having survived more than three years after being diagnosed with leukemia. Marilyn was born on October 23, 1933, in Kearney, Nebraska, the beautiful daughter to Elsie (Wilson) and Dr. Charles Pelikan. She enjoyed her Midwest upbringing, and spent time on the Wilson family farm just north of Kearney. She attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, where she met her husband-to-be, Air Force First Lieutenant Navigator, Theodore D. Bihuniak, on a blind date. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in 1955, and Marilyn and Ted were married in 1957.In addition to Ted, Marilyn is survived by daughters Tamara Bergen of Cape Coral, Florida, and Christina May of Washington, D.C., her son Christopher Bihuniak of Prairie Village, Kansas, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and countless loving friends and relatives. She was predeceased by her brother Charles Pelikan, Jr.Marilyn and Ted lived for seven years in Rye, New York, but later spent 12 years living in Panama, Brazil, and Austria before returning to the United States. They returned annually to the U.S. with their children, spending time with Marilyn’s family in Nebraska and Ted’s family in the Bronx, New York and Hinsdale, Illinois. Their time abroad kindled a lifelong interest in international travel, and later in life they made many trips to Mexico and Europe. They moved to Fort Myers, Florida in 2012. Throughout her life she maintained a connection to Kearney, where the Wilson farm remains in family ownership. Marilyn and Ted lived for 36 years in Wilton, Connecticut, where they worshipped and formed many lasting friendships at the Wilton Congregational Church, and where her remains will be interred at the church cemetery. Marilyn will be remembered by family and friends as a loving and caring soul, always interested in the well-being of others and the good things we bring to this life.Immediate funeral ceremonies are private. Arrangements for Marilyn’s final care have been entrusted to Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33907, (239) 936-0555.To share a story or photo, leave a tribute or to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time please visit Marilyn’s memorial webpage located at www.fortmyersmemorial.com and sign her guestbook.
What’s your fondest memory of Marilyn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marilyn?
Share a story where Marilyn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marilyn you’ll never forget.
How did Marilyn make you smile?