Marilyn Mull Fead

1938 - 2021

Marilyn Margaret Mull Fead, M.D. (1938-2021) was a driven, intelligent, and determined woman who worked hard and achieved much. A strong character with a mercurial personality who often felt she was at odds with the world around her, Marilyn fought hard to be better. She embraced challenges, loved to explore, and adored traveling. Born in Chanute, KS, Marilyn was the daughter of Helen P. Mull [née Carlson] (1903-2002) and John "Jack" Albert Mull [fka Moll] (1902-1966). She grew up with her with her older brother, John "Jack Jr." (1934- ), in a house her father built, next door to her beloved aunt & uncle, Evangeline "Van" Eleanor Lofgren [née Carlson] (1898-1976) & Linus Eugene Lofgren (1895-1976), and cousin, Robert "Bob" Eugene Lofgren (1923-2012). Marilyn excelled in her schooling. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, where she was inducted into the Alpha of Kansas chapter of The Phi Beta Kappa Society. She then proceeded to shine as one of only two female students in the 1964 class of the University of Kansas School of Medicine, where Marilyn, and her classmate, Diane J. Klepper, M.D., where recognized as valedictorian and salutatorian of their class of 100 students. After medical school, Marilyn moved to Denver, CO, where she did her Residency at the University of Colorado Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics. There she served as Chief Resident and was recognized with several awards. Marilyn taught as an Associate Clinical Professor and pursued research in the field of Infant Blood Disorders, becoming a published Research Physician in the process. Marilyn was at the top of her game when she met Fred Bingham Fead Jr. (1929-2020) though a blind date arranged by a mutual friend. At first, she avoided his advances, focusing instead on her budding career... but eventually his persistence and charm won her over. Marilyn and Fred were married in 1967 at Montview Presbyterian Church, Denver, CO. Two years later the pair produced a son, Fred Bingham Fead III (aka Onyx V. Crimbil). Marylin spent the better part of the next 18 years first in a small private practice, then working at the Gates Rubber Company Medical Clinic, acting as a Primary Care Pediatrician - work she did very well, but did not find particularly fulfilling. The trio lived in the Hilltop neighborhood of Denver until 1988, when Fred III left for college... and Marilyn decided to join the Army at age 50! Army life for Marilyn & Fred became an international adventure. After a stint of Basic Training Boot Camp in TX, Marilyn was commissioned as a Major and posted to the McGraw Kaserne army base in Munich, Germany, where she took up the role of commanding officer of the base Medical Clinic. Marilyn & Fred spent the next three years living in officer housing on the Munich base while making new friends, traveling extensively, and enjoying life in Europe. Upon returning to the United States, the couple sold their home in Denver and built a new one in Gunbarrel outside of Boulder, CO. Settling in their new home, Marilyn & Fred became members of the Boulder Country Club and formed friendships with fellow golfers throughout the neighborhood. Marilyn pursued voluntary work as a Pediatrician for several years, including work with teenage mothers and a stint in Doctors Without Borders, but ultimately segued out of Medicine into a long-ignored passion, and built a second career as an Artist! Pastels became her medium and her joy. Marilyn took numerous classes with various teachers to grow her skill, and ultimately set-up a studio in a local shared space. Over the course of the last decades of her life, Marilyn became both skilled and proficient, creating and selling numerous works and thoroughly enjoying the endeavor. Marilyn leaves a legacy of over 70 finish and framed pieces that will provide a memorial touchstone and enjoyment for family and friends who have chosen to welcome those pieces into their homes! Along the way, Marilyn formed a strong female friendship-network, which included artist comrades, her golf-buddies, and fellow mah-jongg players - all of whom will miss her enthusiasm, her competitive drive, and her smile. Marilyn is survived by her son Fred B. Fead III/Onyx V. Crimbil (and his husband Mark Lunetta) of Berkeley, CA, her brother John "Jack" C. Mull, M.D., Ob-Gyn (and his wife Mary "Jeanette") of Hutchinson, KS, along with a host of nieces and nephews, their spouses, and offspring. Marilyn will be deeply missed and long remembered.