Marion Viola Maurer

Marion V. Maurer, 87, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2011 in Kindred Assisted Living Home. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 26, 1925, Marion was the only child of Dr. Albert V. and Adeline Maurer.

Marion's early childhood years were spent in St. Louis and Fort Smith, AR. In 1936 the family returned to their home state of Illinois where her father continued teaching in Lutheran elementary school in Chicago, Concordia Teachers College High School in River Forest; college at St. John's College in Winfield, KS and Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, IL where she received her Bachelor's degree in Education with a minor in Music. She began her long teaching career but also received a Master's degree in Education with a minor in Music from Northwestern University.

Marion began her 44 year Lutheran teaching career at First Lutheran in Little Rock, AR and later taught at St. Andrews in Park Ridge, IL; Grace in River Forest, IL; St. John's College in Windfield, KS; St. Paul's in Chicago; Yuma Lutheran in Yuma, AZ and Zion in Hinsdale, IL. While teaching she also served as Director of Music, organist, choir director, and supervising teacher for Concordia Teachers College.

Marion was part of a talented musical family and music was an important part of her life. She was a long life trumpet player; sang in various choirs; attended Fred Waring's Summer Music Workshops; directed children's and adult choirs and served as church organist at the churches and schools where she taught. She continued to play the organ and direct the adult choir even during her retirement in Yuma.

She was also a passionate sports fan! She played softball for many years and enjoyed a watching both football and baseball games, but was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan, where ever she was. Reading on all subjects and working crossword puzzles consumed many hours. After retiring to Yuma, she became an active volunteer at Calvary Lutheran Church and spent many hours weekly as a volunteer at the Assistance League of Yuma and at the Yuma County Library.

Marion is survived by her long time friend and care-giver, Pat (Frank) Martel Cooper of Yuma; stepmother, Trudy of Fort Wayne, IN; cousins, Kenneth (Sydney) Gronert of Olympia, WA, Arlene (Ray) Avischious of Colorado Springs, CO, Keith (Violet) of Silver Springs, MD, Ruth (Melvin) Donaho of Goodyear, AZ, Donald (Jean) Gronert of Mt. Home, AR, Audrey (Herm) Williams of Las Vegas, NV, Janice (Bruce) Miller of Homer, IL and her godchild, Katherine Wessman of Las Vegas, NV. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church or any organization of your choice.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park, Yuma, AZ.