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Funeral service for Marilyn Joan Taylor Elsener age 92, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Jackson Funeral Home Chapel, 921 West Gladstone, Frederick, Oklahoma. Burial will follow in the Frederick Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Jackson Funeral Home. Mrs. Elsener passed away Friday morning, May 12, 2023, at the Primrose Retirement Community in Stillwater.
Marilyn Joan Taylor Elsener, known as Joan or Nana to most, was born on January 6, 1931, in Tipton, Oklahoma. She departed this life on May 12, 2023. Joan was the daughter of Elmer Earl Taylor and Lucy Irene (Smith) Taylor. Mrs. Elsener attended schools in Tipton and graduated high school in Frederick, Oklahoma.
Joan married the love of her life, Fred Nelson Elsener, on June 18, 1948, at the First Methodist Church in Tipton. Together they had three children, Kent Nelson, Steven Paul, and Erin Jo. Mrs. Elsener held close to her heart that she was baptized by her brother Dee Taylor, who also officiated at her wedding to Fred.
Mrs. Elsener was employed by Tipton Schools as Financial Clerk, Superintendent’s Secretary, and Treasurer for 25 years. She retired in 1989. Retirement suited Joan as she had a servant’s heart and always wanted to give back. Joan was happiest participating in activities with her grandchildren, serving her church, and being an active member in her community. You would be hard pressed to find anyone in the Tillman County area and then Stillwater who couldn’t think of a time when Joan gave of her time or one of her delicious meals or desserts to someone in need. Joan also valued these years as she was able to travel abroad and throughout the US with her husband and many friends.
Joan made a big leap when she moved to Stillwater in 1996 to be near all her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed attending every activity she could, and her family was so grateful to have “Nana” nearby, especially when it came time to bake everyone’s birthday cakes.
Mrs. Elsener had been a member of the First United Methodist Church of Tipton while living in Tillman County and then became an active member of Highland Park United Methodist Church after she moved to Stillwater. As a devoted Christian, Joan always sang in the choir and was honored to serve as a Stephen Minister as well. In addition to serving in the church, for many years she was a dedicated volunteer at Stillwater Medical Center.
Joan spent her last years at the fantastic Primrose Retirement Community in Stillwater enjoying all the perks of later years, especially winning goodies at bingo for her grand and great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Elsener was preceded in death by her husband Fred of 46 years; one sister, Leila Langham; four brothers, Alton Taylor, Dee Taylor, Alvin Taylor, and Don Taylor; her parents; her daughter, Erin Jo; granddaughter Katie Michelle Elsener; and son-in-law, Randy Gober.
Survivors are sons Kent and wife Pat of Stillwater, OK and Steve and wife Sally of Guthrie, OK. Five grandchildren: Eric Elsener of Cameron, NC; Ashley Bobo and husband Clint of Fraser, CO; Trent Gober of Okemah, OK; Amy White and husband Brad of Ninnekah, OK; and Kurt Elsener and wife Lauren of Bixby, OK. Seven great-grandchildren: Calleigh Bobo & Ridge Bobo of Fraser, CO; Jagger & Willow White of Ninnekah, OK; Kolton & Brooks Elsener of Bixby, OK; and Elijah Elsener of Cameron, NC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Joan Elsener to Highland Park United Methodist Church at 524 N. Stallard, Stillwater, OK 74075.
