Marilynn Y. Heim Obituary
Marilynn Y. Heim, 91, of Benton Harbor, MI, went to be with her Lord on August 2, 2025.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 4071 Naomi Rd, Sodus, MI on Thursday, August 7 with at 11:00 am. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Burial at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Chapel Hill UMC or Corewell Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Please feel free to sign Marilynn’s online guestbook at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Marilynn was born September 1, 1933 in Berrien Springs, MI. She received a Bachelor of Music degree from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Science in music education from Ithaca College in New York.
After graduating from Michigan State University, Marilynn was responsible for developing a vocal music program in the Springfield School system in Battle Creek. She taught general and choral music in elementary, junior and senior high school for ten years. She served as head of the vocal department and director of choirs and vocal ensembles at both the elementary and secondary levels, before joining the faculty of Western Michigan University’s School of Music in 1965.
During twenty-six of her years at Western she served as coordinator of music education for students during their pre-student teaching experience. She also taught graduate and undergraduate music education classes and served as Music Educators National Conference chapter advisor.
Marilynn served on the Michigan Music Educators Association executive board as state advisor for the Michigan Collegiate MENC chapters; the MAAE/MDE assessment review program for the Michigan Department of Education and the Southwestern Michigan Vocal Festival Committee. Marilynn also served as a clinician and guest conductor for elementary choral programs.
She was a member of the National Association for Music Education, Michigan Music Educators Association, Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, Berrien County Association of Retired School Personnel, Monday Musical and Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority.
Marilynn retired from Western Michigan University as Associate Professor Emerita of Music Education on December 31, 1991.
She was a member of Chapel Hill UMC and directed the choir and bell choir for several years.
Miss Heim was preceded in death by her parents, Mason and Blanche Heim, and her sister, Beverly Heim.
