Marilyn Bahnke, 84, of Monticello died at 10:15pm Wednesday, April 23, 2008.  There will be a visitation at 10:00am Friday, May 2, 208 at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St., Champaign.  The funeral will begin at 11:00am at the funeral home.  Rev. Fr. Stephen Willard will officiate.  Entombment will be at Mt. Hope Masoleum, Champaign.

Mrs. Bahnke was born on March 5, 1924, to Gayle and Catherine (Miebach) Meyers.  She married John Bahnke on November 15, 1946 in Urbana.  He survives and will cherish the 61 years of marriage they had together.

She is survived by her husband; their children, John Bahnke of Champaign, Karen Curl of Florida and Bill (Sharon) Bahnke of Monticello; one grandchild, Jeff Curl of Florida; and brothers Edwin Meyers and Gayle Meyers, both of Champaign.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister.

Mrs. Bahnke worked as a bookkeeper  at Champaign National Bank and Bank Illinois in downtown Champaign for over 20 years, earning retirement in 2000.  She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed mysteries, history and political books.  She also liked gardening and caring for her flowers and house plants.

Condolences may be offered at www.owensfuneralhome.com.