By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Whether it was addressing poverty, helping out on the farm, supporting education or ensuring local government represented the wishes of the people, Marilyn Kienbaum had a desire to serve throughout her life.
The well-known, lifelong Whitewater resident – described by some as an icon in the community – died Saturday at age 86 and left behind a legacy that won’t soon be forgotten.
Kienbaum is perhaps best known for her pivotal role as director of the Whitewater Food Pantry for a number of years. Fittingly, she was recognized recently during a dedication ceremony held Aug. 25 at the old Armory facility. A plaque in her honor was displayed at the facility.
Local officials lauded Kienbaum for her years of service during the event.
“She’s done a tremendous amount of service to this community and the region,” Common Council President Patrick Singer said.
Interim City Manager Cameron Clapper said he believes Whitewater is a better place today because of the work Kienbaum has devoted to the community.
“Service is the lifeblood of any successful community,” Clapper said. “We are very appreciative of it.”
As director of the pantry, Kienbaum not only worked to ensure no one went to bed hungry, but she also engaged people from multiple generations. Volunteer opportunities were frequently extended to children and college-age students.
But Kienbaum’s service to the community did not stop at the food pantry. She had long been involved in local politics and civic life. She continued to hold an at-large seat on the Whitewater Common Council up until her death.
She spent a total of 13 years on the council, weighing in on an assortment of issues and helping shape policies well into the future.
Singer, who worked alongside Kienbaum on the council the past six years, said Kienbaum’s vast wellspring of knowledge has been beneficial.
“There aren’t too many people that have such an encyclopedic knowledge of the community,” Singer said.
For years, Kienbaum showcased her knowledge through the “Remember When” and “Discover Whitewater” columns that appeared in the Whitewater Register.
Kienbaum’s childhood home was in the City of Whitewater, and she returned to her old stomping grounds in 1995 after the passing of her husband, Harold.
But for 51 years – 1944 to 1995 – Kienbaum lived in the Town of Whitewater, helping support Harold’s farm. She managed to carve out time to serve on the Town Board; four of her years on the elected body were spent as town chair.
A visitation service for Kienbaum was held Tuesday, and the funeral service took place Wednesday.
Kienbaum is survived by family, other relatives and friends. She and Harold had six children, all of whom survive her: Kenneth Kienbaum, Leonard Kienbaum, John (Janice) Kienbaum, James (Jodeen) Kienbaum, all of Whitewater, Nancy (Randy) Thelen of Elkhorn and Janice Kienbaum of Barron.
