Marilyn Kolm

Marilyn (Polen) Kolm passed away on January 16, 2026, at 3 p.m. She was born on October 5, 1936, to Lewis and Elizabeth (Buehler) Polen. In 1958, she married Ernest Kolm, and they remained married for 48 years.

Marilyn graduated from Sebring High School in 1954 and from Mount Union College in 1958. She started teaching at West Branch and later joined the Alliance school system, where she taught for more than 35 years. Marilyn cared deeply for children, which inspired her to become a teacher. She focused on reading for kindergarten through second grade and created many programs to help young readers. In 1964, she started one of the first parent-sponsored kindergartens at Knox School.

Along with her passion for teaching, Marilyn loved her family and enjoyed cooking. She also enjoyed exposing her students and grandchildren to the art of cooking. Marilyn enjoyed making special meals for the holidays and birthdays and preparing Sunday dinners for her family. She was especially known for her homemade desserts, with pies being her specialty.

She is survived by her three sons: Chuck, Dave, and his wife Ruth, and Marty and his wife Sandy Kolm. She also leaves behind four grandsons, Sean, Neil, and his wife Debbie, Brian and his wife Robin, and Mathew Kolm. Marilyn had six great-grandchildren: Alex, Natalie, Bella, Charleigh, Ryker, and Lynlee. She is also survived by her sister Linda Rollman, her close cousin Gail Graham, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her brother Karl Polen.