Marilyn Ruth Brecheisen

Marilyn R. Brecheisen, 89, of Canton, passed away Sunday, February 1st, 2026, at the Loft Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Canton. She was born in Morganville, Kansas, June 26th, 1936, to Robert and Edna (Clark) McClenahan. They preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was her husband, David Brecheisen Jr., and her siblings Bonnie, Frank, and Beth. Marilyn is survived by a son, David Brecheisen III, of Springfield, Illinois, siblings Patsy, Janice, and Clark, their spouses Harold and Eula, and many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Marilyn enjoyed an especially well-rounded high school career at Clay Center Community High School academically, socially (cheerleader, Homecoming queen) and musically as a violinist, pianist, and soprano soloist. She sang beautifully, delighting audiences with her performances of Broadway pieces or classical solos such as from Handel’s Messiah.

Marilyn attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, majoring in music performance. Later she worked for the Kansas State Treasurer in Topeka.

Marilyn married David Brecheisen Jr. in 1964, and in 1969 they moved to Moline Illinois, where their son, David was born. Then the family moved to Canton, Illinois in 1971. In 1983, Marilyn began working for the Fulton County Clerk in Lewistown. Her work involved her clerical and keyboard skills. She retired from there in 1999.

Marilyn's homemaking skills were applied overtime in summer, preserving the bounty of produce from Dave's garden. They ate well!

Per Marilyn’s wishes, there will be no services, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. Memorials can be made to The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, 485 East Half Day Road, Suite #350, Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com