Marian Gulardo

Marian Slininger Gibson Gulardo peacefully passed away May 5, 2018 with her husband, Bob and daughter, Diane by her side.

Marian was born June 19, 1932 to Clyde L. and Wilma Winey Slininger in Carroll, Iowa. Marian and her sister, Kay were raised and lived above Slininger Funeral Home. Marian considered it a wonderful, although unique, place to grow up. During her high school years, Marian many times helped her father when needed.

Marian graduated from Jefferson High School in 1950 then attended University of Colorado in Boulder. There she met and fell in love with her first husband, Theodore (Ted). Marian and Ted married June 20, 1953 at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson.

Marian and Ted lived in California while Ted completed his art degree. During this time they met and became good friends with Robert (Bob) and Beverly Gulardo. Upon returning to Jefferson, Marian and Ted decided this is where they wanted to make a home. Ted returned to school for a short time, completing his degree in mortuary science.

Marian and Ted lived and worked in Jefferson all their lives, adopting Bruce in 1961 and Diane in 1963. Marian was not only a busy mother but was also very active in the community. She was a member of P.E.O. for over 60 years, a past president of Beta Tau Delta and past president of the Jefferson Women’s Club. She delivered meals-on-wheels and served as a Pink Lady for many years and loved it.  

Marian was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 76 years where she served on many committees, including the organ restoration committee. She chaired the church’s 100th anniversary committee and served on the board of the Presbyterian Home in Ackley for many years. She was also a member of several bridge groups, music club, Friday Study Club and a Cub Scout den mother and 4-H leader.

Marian and Ted co-owned Slininger Funeral Home from 1973 to 1985. Upon retirement they enjoyed wintering at Carriage Manor in Mesa, Arizona. Ted passed away September 6, 2002. Through the years, Ted and Marian, and Bob and Beverly remained good friends.

Marian and Bob Gulardo were united in marriage October 11, 2003 at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson. They enjoyed many fun times and adventures together, especially traveling and visiting friends. They enjoyed visiting their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bob and Marian enjoyed getting out of the cold, spending their winters at Carriage Manor in Mesa, Arizona. For many years, Marian served as the Bible Study Coordinator, a job she greatly enjoyed. During this time they made many friends from all over the United States and Canada.

Funeral services for Marian were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 10, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson with Rev. Gordon Moen officiating. Honorary bearer were Dr. Eugene Houk, David Finneseth, John Finneseth, Amanda Finneseth, Laura Finneseth, Eric Finneseth and Olivia Finneseth. Casket bearers were C. Scott Finneseth, Steve Finneseth, Steve Gulardo, Jon Gibson, Tom Gibson and Tim Gibson. “I’ve Done My Work” and “Could I Have This Dance” were sung by soloist, Bill Monroe accompanied by pianist, Keri Brooker. The congregation sang “Church In The Wildwood.” Interment was at Jefferson Cemetery in Jefferson.

Marian is survived by her husband, Bob of Jefferson; daughter, Diane Gibson of Jefferson; son, Bruce Gibson of Arizona; stepson, Steve (Gay) Gulardo of Missouri; and sister, Kay Finneseth of Jefferson. Marian is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Marian was preceded in death by her first husband, Ted; her parents, Clyde and Wilma Slininger and other extended family members.

Memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson, Greene County Medical Center Foundation or Broadway Chapel, Carriage Manor, Mesa, Arizona.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home.

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Jefferson Bee & Herald
Address: 200 N. Wilson St.
Jefferson, IA 50129

Phone:(515) 386-4161