Marlyn Ann Kline

Marlyn Ann Kline, of Savanna, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6. Born on September 29, 1931, in Sterling, Nebraska, she was the loving daughter of Lawrence and Anna (Herr) Kritner. On June 14, 1951, Marlyn married the love of her life, Richard A. Kline, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Their devoted partnership lasted 64 years.

Marlyn’s caring nature and strong work ethic defined her. She worked as a secretary for the University Agricultural College and later became a familiar, friendly face at the Savanna Tastee Freez, where she spent about ten years. Her relationship with her husband was second only to her deep faith. A woman of quiet ministry, she lived her devotion to God not only through the church but in her everyday interactions, offering love and care to everyone around her.

She found joy in simple pleasures—reading, singing, and especially helping others. Yet her greatest love remained her family, whom she cherished with all her heart.

Marlyn is survived by her son, Gary Kline of La Crosse, Wisconsin; her daughter, Janis (Jim) Bickford of Davenport, Iowa; her daughter-in-law, Karen Kline of Carbondale, Illinois; eight beloved grandchildren; and fifteen cherished great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Anna; her husband, Richard; her son, Greg Kline; her sister, Blanche Heidrich; and her brothers, Glen Kritner and Harold Kritner.