Marilyn Cunningham, 95, Bismarck, died August 14, 2026. Memorial services will be held at 12:30 PM, Tuesday, August 25th, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Bismarck. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bismarck. A Vigil service will be held at 7:00 PM, Monday, August 24, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 E Century Ave., Bismarck.

Marilyn Grace Wahl was born May 16, 1931, in Bismarck to Henry and Grace (Herred) Wahl. She was raised and educated in Washburn, graduating from Washburn High School in 1949. Growing up, Marilyn was very active in music, participating in band, being accompanist for all choral and ensemble groups and was organist at First Lutheran Church. She was also a high school cheerleader. Go Cardinals!

Marilyn married Robert Cunningham, son of George and Myrtle Cunningham, in 1949 and together they began their married life living in many small North Dakota towns while Robert was employed as an agent/telegrapher for the Northern Pacific Railway. The railroad finally brought them to Driscoll in 1959 where they lived for 38 years.

Marilyn was very active in the PTA while their children were in school. She was also the Driscoll Township Treasurer for many years. She was co-chairman of the Driscoll Centennial celebration in 1983. Marilyn was employed by Woolco as advertising manager and later as the personnel manager. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Driscoll where she was the organist for over 30 years.

Robert retired from the US Postal Service in 1990 and in 1997 they moved to Bismarck. Music was still a big part of Marilyn’s life. She was a member of the Bismarck/Mandan Symphony Orchestra Assoc and Broadway in Bismarck. She was a member of the ND State Historical Assoc, McLean County Museum, Lewis and Clark Mandan Foundation, and the Washburn American Legion Auxiliary. Marilyn volunteered at the McLean County Museum in Washburn every summer for many years and was a volunteer at the Sanford Infusion Center for 10 years.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Stephanie (Kelly) Aguirre, Robert Gregory (Keney), Judy Kalainov, George (Joni); one brother-in-law, Doug Cunningham; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her parents, one brother Robert Wahl, sisters Carol (Jack, Kneelon) Entner-Teague and Phyllis (Loren) LaPora, daughter and son-in-law Susan (Jim) Edwards, and son-in-law Ron Kalainov.

Memorials are preferred to Fort Yates Mission School, Fort Yates ND, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Washburn ND or the McLean County Museum, Washburn.