March 8, 1951 – July 11, 2020
Mass of Christian Burial for Marijo Bornong, 69, of Timber Lake was held Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Timber Lake. Burial was at the Timber Lake Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Marijo passed away Saturday, July 11, 2020 at the Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City.
A CHILD OF THE VILLAGE
Marijo was born to Harold and Johanna (Lawien) Bornong on March 8, 1951 in Mobridge, the last of six children, and the only girl. Marijo was graced with a simple innocence that touched the hearts of everyone who came to know her.
Marijo was raised in Firesteel and attended the Firesteel School, going on to graduate from Black Hills Works in Rapid City. In her early years, Marijo loved riding with her father while he delivered the mail as a rural route carrier for the US Postal Service. She also spent many hours assisting her Uncle Fritz Lawien at his store and playing in her playhouse decorated by her mother with curtains, teacups and baby dolls. She had a passion for swinging and could often be found at the Firesteel School playground. Marijo received a bicycle from one of her brothers and because he bought it in Nebraska, she named her bike “Nebraska.”
In 1968, Marijo moved with her parents to Timber Lake. A big swing was constructed in the front yard and with a new bike to ride, Marijo began introducing herself to Timber Lake. The Timber Lake community, in turn, embraced Marijo with love and understanding and over the years, undertook many of the duties of caring for her.
Marijo began working at the Timber Lake School washing dishes in the cafeteria and became known as the “lunch lady.” She was an avid sports fan and attended as many of the boys and girls events as possible. Due to her robust enthusiasm while cheering for the teams, she became known as the Panthers “Number One Fan.” During the 29 years she worked for the school, Marijo was known to hand out Snickers candy bars to her picks for the best athletes of the week. She was also an avid Pinnacle and Yahtzee player and will be known for her unbelievable luck at winning games of chance.
Marijo joined the American Legion Auxiliary in 1980. For many years, Marijo placed flags on the veterans’ graves for Memorial Day. She also taught “The Pledge of Allegiance” to many kindergarten classes, gifting each child with a small American flag. Marijo’s thoughtfulness was also evident in the number of cards that she sent throughout the years for birthdays and special events.
In 2017, Marijo moved to the Mobridge nursing home due to health issues. Upon its closer in 2019, she moved to Dorsett Healthcare in Spearfish, where she quickly became a mascot for the facility.
On June 19, 2020, Marijo was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, and after a short and brave battle, she went to be with the Lord on July 11, 2020.
Marijo is survived by her brothers, Albert and Nick Bornong, Harlowton, MT; Art (Rose) Bornong, Goodyear, AZ; several nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Marijo was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Russell and Harold Bornong, sister-in law, Denaldo (Solberg) Bornong and niece, Susie (Bornong) Ellison.