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Mass of Christian Burial for Marijo Bornong, 69, of Timber Lake will be at 11 AM, Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Timber Lake. Burial will be 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 (Lawein) Bornong on March 8, 1951 in Mobridge, SD.  Marijo was the last of 6 children, an only girl surrounded by 5 brothers.  Marijo was graced with a simple innocence that touched the hearts of everyone that came to know her.   And so it is as a "family" that we all remember and celebrate our time with her.

Marijo was raised in Firesteel, SD and attended the Firesteel School, going on to graduate from Black Hills Works in Rapid City, SD.  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 Lawein at the local general store and playing in her playhouse decorated by her beloved 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".  Marijo and Nebraska traveled many miles together.

In 1968, Marijo moved with her mother and father to Timber Lake, SD.  A big swing was constructed in the front yard and with a new bike to ride; Marijo began introducing herself to Timber Lake.  Timber Lake, in turn, embraced Marijo with love and understanding and over the years, undertook many of the duties of caring for this precious angel.

Marijo began working at the Timber Lake School washing dishes in the cafeteria and became known as the beloved "lunch lady".  She was an avid sports fan and attended as many of the boys and girl's 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 Snicker 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 first grade 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 into the Mobridge nursing home due to health issues.  Upon its closer in 2019, she moved to the Dorsett Healthcare nursing home in Spearfish where she quickly became a mascot for the facility.  On June 19, 2020, Marijo was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor.  After a short and brave battle, Marijo went to be with our Lord on July 11, 2020.

They say it takes a village to raise a child.  It is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank everyone for all that you have done over the years for this sweet girl.   We share in your sorrow knowing that we all lost a family member.

Marijo is survived by her brothers Albert Bornong, Harlowton, MT; 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 and one niece, Susie (Bornong) Ellison.