Death Has No Mercy-Miss Reynolds, Winnie Bulicek

It seems to be that 2012 is the year that just about everybody I know is dying is soon will be.

Soon after I put up this week's top ten and signed off to go to bed I have gotten word that Marjorie Reynolds, our sixth grade teacher at Longfellow in Marion has died at age 85.  She was a permanent fixture in and around Marion after retiring became part of the Marion Historical Society, to which can be found at the old NAPA Parts Store or the even older YMCA building in downtown Marion.

Miss Reynolds was best known for being a teacher and we had her for part of fifth and sixth grade.  And for the most part she taught a class of brats that was us, there was me and my best friend Russell, and second best friend Jeff.  To which we would spend plenty of time on the school grounds jumping the old hill or the small indents that led to the school grounds.  We knew it was going to be a fun time when she introduced herself as Hi I'm Miss.  BLAAAAAAAAAAAAP and turns out that Russel cut a big one just as she said that.   I think it's safe to say that we were the big cause of her cigarette breaks at that time.  And there was always a war with her and my Mom, the battles were legendary and f bombs were dropped I suppose. Granted Miss Reynolds was very liberal in promoting free speech but she drew the line when I wrote my Autobiography and called her a number one jerk about three or four times.  To which I had to stay after school and hear about it but she called my mom up about it, Mom said He's right you know.  I don't think I ever did rewrite that thing come to think of it.

But Miss Reynolds could inspire us and she knew the things that we liked.  I know we were sitting in the school gym room and the jazz band from high school was up there and Neil Machen was tearing it up on drums and she turned and said to me that she could picture me playing drums like that. And she would be right 10 years later when I put my drumset up at the old Pink Elephant Bar to play for a local band.

As the years progressed onward I would run into her a couple times at Sears and we would exchanged pleasantries, not like the bratty talk of years before.  I'm sure she didn't forget the brat that was me, but I did tell her she did play a big role in the development of my life.  For better or for worse. R.I.P. Miss Reynolds.

Ochiltree Funeral Home, Winterset, Iowa
November 15, 2012

MARJORIE REYNOLDS, Winterset

Marjorie Reynolds, 85, of Winterset (formerly of Marion) died Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at the Madison County Memorial Hospital in Winterset.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 17th at Ochiltree Funeral Service & Aftercare in Winterset with burial to immediately follow in the Brethren Cemetery, Dallas Center.

A visitation with family present will be held Friday, November 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ochiltree’s. 

Memorials may be made to the Marion Methodist Church, Madison Square, and/or Middle River Hospice.

Marjorie Hazel Reynolds was born January 15, 1927 on a farm four miles east of Dallas Center, Iowa; the daughter of George and Helen (Wooster) Ellis Reynolds. She grew up in the Dallas Center area and graduated from Dallas Center High School. She attended Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI), graduating on a two year program. She began her teaching career in Marion, Iowa; finally completing her BA degree while teaching. She retired from the Marion Schools after 46 years.
A major highlight in her life was a summer spent in Europe. Her trip included a week in Moscow, Russia. Volunteering was also an important part of Marjorie’s life. She volunteered her time at the Friends of the Library Book Store, the Marion Historical Society and their two museums– Granger House and the Heritage Center, various groups in her church, including the United Methodist Women, and her sorority, Chi Chapter of Iowa Alpha Delta Kappa. She also worked with second grade students to help them read for pleasure.

She was recognized for many of her accomplishments, including meeting Governor Branstad several times in connection with her sorority work and receiving an award for volunteerism from Governor Culver. She was chosen Reading Teacher of the Year by the Cedar Rapids Reading Association and was Citizen of the Year in Marion. The school district paid special attention to those teachers who taught 30 years and she was acknowledged again when she retired. Marjorie was honored, humbled and blessed by these acknowledgements.

Marjorie is survived by her brother, Bob Reynolds; nieces, Sheri Capps (Earl) and Patti Kenworthy (Dick); a great-nephew, Wes Reynolds; and a great-niece, Rachel Reynolds all of Earlham.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a nephew, Rick Reynolds; and a sister-in-law, Betty Reynolds.

The Obit for Winnie Bulicek.  The link don't work (usual 404 Bullshit)  But she lived to be 99.  A great neighbor lady she was part of our neighborhood. RIP.

MARION: Winifred Malvine Bulicek, 99, formerly of Marion, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday November 25 at Colonial Manor in Amana. She is survived by her son Jake (Pam) Bulicek, grandson Ryan (Nicki) Bulicek, granddaughter Keri (Holly) Goddard, as well as great-grandchildren Rylee, Ashlenn, Samantha, Maddenn, Alexander, Caleb, and Wayne, and her niece Kristyna Demaree. She was born Winifred Perkins on April 29, 1913 to Cornelia and Jacob Perkins in Rowna, Poland. She was married to Charles Rudolph Bulicek on February 19, 1949 at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. A private celebration of life has been held within the family. Memorials may be directed to the family. Forever loved, forever missed, forever remembered. We love you Gramicek!

MARION: Winifred Malvine Bulicek, 99, formerly of Marion, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday November 25 at Colonial Manor in Amana. She is survived by her son Jake (Pam) Bulicek, grandson Ryan (Nicki) Bulicek, granddaughter Keri (Holly) Goddard, as well as great-grandchildren Rylee, Ashlenn, Samantha, Maddenn, Alexander, Caleb, and Wayne, and her niece Kristyna Demaree. She was born Winifred Perkins on April 29, 1913 to Cornelia and Jacob Perkins in Rowna, Poland. She was married to Charles Rudolph Bulicek on February 19, 1949 at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. A private celebration of life has been held within the family. Memorials may be directed to the family. Forever loved, forever missed, forever remembered. We love you Gramicek!

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.

Phillips Funeral Home in Blairstown is in charge of arrangements. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/cedarvalleydailytimes/obituary.aspx?n=winifred-malvine-bulicek-perkins&pid=161281415&fhid=10159#sthash.ebitpMU6.dpuf