Marian Southern

Marian was born August 29, 1920 to John and Magdalene Thiele in Chemnitz, Germany. With her sister (Erika) and parents she immigrated to the U.S. (S.L.C.) as converts to the L.D.S Church. O.C. Tanner was the first missionary they had met in Germany.

Marian graduated South High School, with honors in English. She married Joseph Werner Lundskog on August 4th, 1939. They had two sons, Joseph R. and Wilford (Bill) J. Lundskog. They divorced but always remained close friends. Marian later married Richard Southern (deceased) and they divorced.

Jack Seare, a close friend of the family, introduced Marian to Zions Bank and she embarked on a long and gratifying banking career as one of Zions Bank's first female Senior Vice Presidents. Marian was very diligent and passionate about her career. Her favorite story went like this, "One day Roy Simmons phoned me and told me that his son Harris was going to be a banker, and since I was in charge of Operations, Banking Procedures and writing the bank's training manuals, he wanted me to start his training." She adored working with Harris and it appears she trained him well. She was active for many years with the National Association of Women Bankers serving in various capacities.

Marian was a faithful member of the L.D.S. Church and in her younger years was the Junior Sunday School Superintendent at the Marlborough Ward and enjoyed her church service there along with Joyce Seare (her best friend).

Marian was a very special lady, always exemplifying a strong will and an open heart to all those who knew her. She was a true survivor, an inspiration to others, a hard worker, and always wore a smile that warmed the hearts of those around her. She was a very gentle and caring person.

She was an avid bowler in her younger years and enjoyed camping out and spending time at the family's cabin. But her greatest love and devotion was reserved for her two boys, Joe and Bill. She never missed one of their ball games (she was the president of the baseball little league), or any activity they entertained while growing up. She was their compass and she always knew "true north."

Marian recently celebrated her 90th birthday and she wished to express her thanks (as does the family) to all those who were able to attend the Open House and spend some time with her. She really enjoyed that beautiful day.

Her warmth and sparkle will be missed by those she leaves behind: her sons, Bill and Joe and granddaughter Amber Leigh Lundskog.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 9th, 2010 at noon at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.