1945-2024
Marilyn Jean (Klinghagen) Bass, 78, of Carmi, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024. She was born on December 5, 1945, in Willmar, Minnesota, the daughter of Clarence and Florence (Boike) Klinghagen. Marilyn was the second of eight siblings. She went to school in Clara City and Raymond, Minnesota. On December 12, 1961, she married William Nick Mehrhoff. Their union produced 3 children, Dawn, Billy and Loree. They were married until July 21, 1976, when William passed away in a vehicle accident. Marilyn went to cosmetology school in Rockhill, South Carolina, and graduated in 1988. She then moved to Texas to practice her trade. There she met and married Marion (Red) Bass on May 28, 1993. After retirement she enjoyed traveling, gardening and spending time with her family. She had a special knack with interior design and always created a beautiful home for her family. In March of 2009, Marilyn and her husband Red moved here to Carmi to be closer to her daughter and family where she spent the last 15 years of her life doing what she loved.
Marilyn is survived by her three children, Dawn Marie Holland and husband Keith of Carmi, IL, William Dean Mehrhoff and wife Sara of Dallas, TX, and Loree Lynn Mehrhoff of Carmi, IL; three granddaughters, Amanda Goff and husband Jason of Carmi, IL, Amber Rankin and husband Josh of Crossville, IL. and Maryah Chairez of Grand Prairie, TX.; grandsons, Justin and Joshua Shaw of Lewisville, TX, Christopher Sheets of Decatur, TX. and Brandon Cuka of Texas; four great grandchildren, Madison (Goff) Kranz and wife Meagen Kranz of Carmi, IL and Cailey Kuka, Rylan Kuka and Cody Diaz; one brother, Dean Klinghagen and wife Linda of Willmar, MN; three sisters-in-law, Chris Klinghagen of Bel Fouche, SD, Mary Klinghagen of Glencoe, MN. and Deborah Klinghagen of Willmar, MN; one brother-in-law, James Gerdes of Glencoe, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her husbands, she is preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Linda, Darlene, and Lavonne; three brothers, Larry, Lee and Leon.
Graveside services for Marilyn Bass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Marshall Ferry Cemetery near Maunie. Family and friends may visit from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Marilyn’s memory to the American Diabetes Foundation or Pets at Risk, and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi, who is in charge of arrangements. Donations can also be mailed to 609 W. Main St, Carmi, IL. 62821