Marilyn Catherine Muselman

Marilyn Catherine (Smith) Muselman, age 96, passed away peacefully on the evening of October 27, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family, service, and encouragement.

Born on October 18, 1930, to Leslie B. and Catherine (Anderson) Smith, Marilyn grew up in Berne, Indiana, where her father was one of the founders of Smith Brothers of Berne. Her life was characterized by an unwavering Christian faith, a strong work ethic, a love of learning, and a genuine passion for encouraging others.

On October 15, 1950, Marilyn married Carl Henry Muselman, beginning a loving marriage that spanned more than 56 years. Carl preceded her in death on April 2, 2006.

She was also preceded in death by her sons, James H. Muselman in April 1973 and John A. Muselman in October 2004; and her brother, John L. Smith, in May 2007.

Marilyn is survived by her son, Thomas C. Muselman, and his wife, Audrey; four grandchildren, Shannon (Jordan) Steiner, Kristen Muselman, Kaitlyn Muselman, and Nathan Muselman; and four great-grandchildren, Britt, Brea, Brynna, and Bracey Steiner. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews Roger (Naomi) Muselman, Karen (David) Thomas, Lana McCleary, Laurel (Larry) Oscar, John L. (Ann) Smith, Les (Cindy) Smith, Wesley (Cynthia) Steury, Ann (Allen) Tomlinson, Rhonda (Barry) Culbertson, Jack (Betty) Russett, and Chris Russett.

Marilyn possessed a lifelong love of learning and remarkable determination. She was a 1948 graduate of Berne High School and began her college education at Indiana University in Bloomington, but her studies were interrupted when she contracted diphtheria during her sophomore year. After marrying Carl and accompanying him to Kansas during his service in the United States Army, she eventually returned to college. In 1971, she graduated from Indiana University's Fort Wayne campus with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management with Highest Honors.

Throughout her life, Marilyn contributed her talents and leadership to several family businesses, including EP Graphics, Smith Brothers of Berne, The Berne Witness, and Lehman Travel Bureau. Her intelligence, dedication, and strong work ethic were evident in everything she undertook.

A devoted member of First Missionary Church in Berne, Marilyn faithfully served for many years as a pianist, organist, and Sunday School teacher. She also served on boards and supported organizations including Swiss Village, Bethel University, The Navigators, and Gideons International. She was a faithful prayer warrior whose prayers, kindness, and genuine concern touched countless lives.

Carl and Marilyn also had a special heart for missions and those serving around the world. Over the years, they generously supported numerous missionaries, visited them in their mission fields, and welcomed many into their home. Their hospitality, encouragement, and commitment to spreading the Gospel reflected their deep love for Jesus Christ and their desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Carl and Marilyn enjoyed spending their winters in Naples, Florida, where they warmly welcomed family and friends, especially their grandchildren and their friends. She also enjoyed traveling around the world, her beloved dog, Indiana University basketball, and tailgating with friends while cheering on the Hoosiers.

Nothing brought Marilyn greater joy than her family. She was a devoted wife and mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and an enthusiastic supporter of those she loved.

Marilyn also loved puzzles and card games, bringing both enthusiasm and a delightful competitive spirit to every game. She had a special fondness for sweets and always seemed to have a treat ready to share with family and friends. In Marilyn’s world, any time was the perfect time for ice cream or a Dairy Queen Dilly Bar. These simple pleasures reflected her fun-loving personality and the joy she found in spending time with those she loved.

One of Marilyn's greatest joys was attending her grandchildren's activities. Whether it was a piano recital, softball game, swimming or cross-country meet, musical, band or choir concert, basketball or baseball game, or horse show, she made every effort to be there. When she could no longer attend in person, she continued following South Adams athletics through Witness Media, a division of The Berne Witness.

But Marilyn wasn't simply cheering for her own grandchildren. She enthusiastically supported every child on the team and every young person striving to do their best. Her unmistakable cheers, genuine excitement, and heartfelt encouragement made others feel special, valued, and appreciated.

Above all, Marilyn was a woman of deep and abiding Christian faith. Her relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life and guided the way she loved her family, served her community, and encouraged others. Her greatest legacy is found not simply in her accomplishments, but in the lives she touched, the prayers she offered, the faith she shared, and the countless people she encouraged along the way. Her influence will continue through the generations of her family, her church, and the Berne community she loved.

While her family and friends will deeply miss her presence, they find comfort in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and the assurance that Marilyn has entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her.

Marilyn Catherine Muselman leaves behind a beautiful example of a life well lived: love your family deeply, serve your Lord faithfully, encourage others generously, pray without ceasing, and never miss an opportunity to cheer someone on.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 1 from Noon to 3pm at Swiss Village (use main entrance on Village Way) in Berne and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. A celebration of Marilyn’s life and faith will be held on Monday, Nov 2 at 10:30 at First Missionary Church, Berne with Pastor Rick Schwartz officiating. The service will be livestreamed at FMCBerne.com. Burial will follow at MRE Cemetery next to Carl. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Swiss Village Samaritan Fund, Bethel University or First Missionary Church - Christian Aid Fund.