Marilynn Sally Nirk

Marilynn Sally Nirk passed away peacefully on May 19, 2022, at the age of ninety-one surrounded by her family members. She was born on July 6, 1930 and was the daughter of Selma and Irwin Gentner, who resided in Chicago, Illinois.

She is survived by her brother, Robert Gentner, and sister Dorothy Becher (Gentner). Her brother, Charles Gentner is deceased.

Marilynn graduated from Mosert Elementary School and Kelvyn Park High School, both in Chicago. She attended Wright Junior College in Chicago, Illinois, as a Business Administration Major.

She married the love of her life, Dr. Eugene William Nirk on February 4, 1951, whose parents Eugene and Julia were also from Chicago. Eugene had a private practice as an optometrist and was a military veteran with 38 years of active also reserve service, retiring as a Colonel in the US Air Force. Their loving relationship and marriage lasted for over 71 years.

She was a devoted wife and mother of three children, Richard W. Nirk, Karen L. Nirk and Scott A. Nirk and her one and only grandchild, Michael Dustin Mason-Nirk.

She began her work experience working in the Medical Impairment Bureau of the Country Life Insurance Company in Chicago, Illinois. After a couple of years, Marilynn moved with Eugene to his first Air Force assignment at Harlingen, Texas. In Harlingen she worked in the Credit Department of the Sears Roebuck store and eventually left this job to accompany Eugene, who was being transferred to the Air Force Hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany. Upon their transfer overseas, she worked in a civil service position with the US Government. After returning from overseas, Marilynn worked side by side with Eugene to set up and run the office administration for his private practice as an Optometrist in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Marilynn was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she attended the Bereans Sunday School Class. For many years she was a Sunday School teacher for the 5th and 6th grade Sunday School children. She volunteered numerous hours setting up and running the coffee bar as a hostess and church greeter.

She devoted her time working for such community affiliations as Assistance League of Colorado Springs, Bargain Box, School Bell, Rotary International, Camp Fire Girls and Audubon Garden Club. As a highly active member of the Assistance League of Colorado Springs, she assisted in clothing many underprivileged children, through their School Bell Program. She was a very dedicated member of the Board of Directors of the Campfire Girls and Rotary International, where she was a Paul Harris Fellow. Rotary International awarded a Paul Harris Fellow.

Her favorite activity in life was playing bridge. Lynn was a very avid and accomplished bridge player, and was a member of several bridge clubs

Marilynn was an avid gardener and flower arranger. Lynn loved to square dance, and frequently danced in square dance exhibition groups to entertain the public throughout Colorado Springs.

In her zest for life, she also enjoyed tennis, hiking, cruises, travel throughout the world and via a Motorhome in the US for many years. She also tried horseback riding, hiking, parasailing and white-water rafting.

Funeral service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Wednesday, October 5th at 10:15 AM.