Marilyn Joyce Tiede Lange Punko, age 80 of North Bend, passed away Dec. 29, 2023, at Hillcrest Firethorn in Lincoln, Neb. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday Jan. 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Campbell Aman Funeral Home in Blair. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, at 3:30 p.m. at the Dennison Cemetery in rural Albion, Neb.
Marilyn was born Oct. 5, 1943, to William and Mildred Tiede in rural Blair, Neb., the second born of four children. Marilyn often told stories of working on the farm and helping her dad milk the cows. Marilyn was united in marriage to Lewis Lange and together they raised a beautiful family of seven children in rural Schuyler, Neb. After a move to California, Marilyn became a truck driver and spent many memorable years driving across the country and later even taught driving to students at Central Community College in Hastings.
Throughout her truck driving, Marilyn became an avid fan of traveling and road trips. There wasn’t a vacation that she would turn down, especially if there was a casino nearby.
In 2001, Marilyn married Steven Punko in Reno, Nevada. They made their home in Dodge County, Nebraska, and spent many years together, traveling, watching any sports they could and spending as much time as possible with their many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Marilyn’s pride and joy was her family. She was lovingly called “Grams” by all of her “angel babies.” As her family grew and grew over the years, so did her love for everyone she knew. Friends of the family even had the privilege of calling her “Grams,” as she insisted.
Marilyn will be remembered for her devoted love for family, her stubbornness and wit, perseverance through her struggles and for her dedication to whichever penny machine she chose for the day at the casino.
Marilyn is survived by her children and their families, Greg Lange of Thailand, Mary (Larry) Hendrickson of Oklahoma, Lloyd Lange of Montana, Nancy (Jeff) Doell of Nebraska, Mike Lange of Nebraska, Lynn Maca of Nebraska and Mark Lange of Montana, brother William (Ruby) Tiede of Minnesota, 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, and brother-in-law Raymond Punko of Lincoln.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Stephen Punko, sisters Julie Donnelly and Betty Montayne, daughter-in-law Teresa Lange and great granddaughter Alayna Brown.
