On December 26, 1935, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Fred and Wilma Buder experienced the surprise of their lifetimes – the birth of twin daughters! First out was Marilynn, and 9 minutes later came Carolynn. They were lifelong BFF’s and shared all of life’s joys and sorrows together. Marilynn always made sure people knew she was the oldest. Carolynn told her you can be the responsible one... I’ll have fun!

Marilynn & Carolynn grew up inseparable with a village of family and friends loving and supporting them. They pulled the typical “twin” tricks like confusing their kindergarten teacher as to who was who, and made a pact that they would never date the same guy. When two boys came calling one summer, Carolynn was first to place dibbs on the more outgoing and fun guy; Marilynn therefore got Dave. Who knew that on January 28th, 1956, they would be married and celebrate 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and counting, and 66 years of marriage together!

Their early years were spent in a variety of locations, including San Antonio, Texas, where they welcomed their first baby, Mike. Eventually they ended up in Williamston, Michigan, where Beth and Karen would be born, then Grand Rapids where Nancy was born. They came back to the Kalamazoo area in 1964 and raised their family in Richland, where they would live together for 56 years.

Marilynn and Dave were members of the Stockbridge United Methodist Church until its closing. As part of the Asbury’s, a group of couples with young families, they served the people of the Washington Square neighborhood by sharing the love of Jesus through acts of service and kindness. The Asbury’s also enjoyed an annual, long weekend getaway for 30 years! Marilynn also worked for many years as a part time teller, and as the receptionist at Jacobsen’s beauty salon.

Marilynn and Dave looked forward to spending every January in Redington Shores, Florida. Marilynn loved laying by the pool, soaking up the sunshine and the relaxed pace of life. The remaining 11 months of the year were spent attending every sporting event, recital, band concert, school program, and anything else their 11 grandchildren were involved in. The squares on their calendar were packed with events. They couldn’t imagine spending their retirement years doing anything else.

Marilynn’s heart was filled by raising her family and spending time with friends. While she experienced pain and loss, her focus was always on the many blessings of her life. In her last years, even though her memory had failed her, she was the first to let you know how blessed she felt and what a good, good, good man her husband was. Her legacy lives on in her children and grandchildren who love her dearly.

Marilynn Helen Buder Balcom passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026. She is survived by her son, Mike (Lynn) Balcom; daughters Beth (Duane) Hampsten, Karen (Jeff) Heerlyn and Nancy (Mike) Gapp; grandchildren, Staci (Rusty) Tobolic, Kelli (Tim) Choronzy, Molli (Greg) Bergland, Andrew (Mandy Geiger) Penny, Justin (Mollie) Penny, Emily (Andrew Streilein) Hampsten, Daniel (Rachel) Hampsten, Jacob Heerlyn, Grace (Dallas) Anselmo, Brock (Jenny) Smalla, Reed (Natalie Desirae) Nahikian, eighteen great-grandchildren, sister Diane (Steve) Blackford, and brother David Buder. Marilynn was preceded in death by her loving husband, parents, and twin sister Carolynn Kirkpatrick.

Marilynn’s family will receive friends at Living Hope Community Church, Richland, Michigan, from 10:00 – 11:00 am on Friday, July 3, 2026, with memorial service to immediately follow at 11:00. Interment at Prairie Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Centrica Care Navigators.