Marilyn Jean Halverson Earnest

The family of Marilyn Jean Halverson Earnest is saddened to announce her passing on September 26, 2025 at the age of 97 years. She passed away peacefully at Northwestern Hospital located in Palos Heights, Illinois. She was born in Chicago, Illinois in March 27, 1928, proceeded in death; she was the daughter of Morris and Julia (Randall) Halverson.

Marilyn was a loving mother to her 2 sons Richard (Margaret) of North Carolina, Dave (Ann) of Illinois. She also loved her grandchildren David of California, Hilary of Florida, Monica of North Carolina, Arielle of North Carolina, Haley of Kansas, and a close friend Marria of Illinois.

Marilyn worked for Marshall Fields for 25 years, much of that time modeling in retail fashion shows. Beyond her professional career, she was deeply committed to community service and helping others. In 1969, she joined the Sauk Trail Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, where she quickly became an award-winning member. In 1981, the Illinois State Regent appointed her as the Organizing Regent for the new Swallow Cliff Chapter.

Throughout her DAR service, Marilyn held nearly every office—Vice Regent, 1st Vice Regent, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Historian and chaired committees including American History, Auditing, Bylaws, and the President General Project. She devoted special attention to veterans, a calling shaped by the service of both her father and her late husband. She assembled baskets which she used with creative fundraising efforts to raise over $14,000 for Chicago Honor Flights. She hand wrote thousands of note cards for the Honor Flight Mail Call program, ensuring that those who served received recognition and gratitude. At the state level, Marilyn served as District (Division) IV Director, a role she fondly referred to as “the best job I ever had!” She also served as State Vice Regent, State Recording Secretary, State Chair Conservation, DAR Good Citizens, DAR Service for Veterans, among many others. At the national level, Marilyn served as a Deputy Representative for both the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) and the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN). She served as National Division Vice Chair for both the DAR Service for Veterans and Public Relations committees in addition to working on the Continental Congress Platform Committee. One of her greatest honors came in 2000, when Marilyn received the large gold Veterans Administration Volunteer’s Medal for her outstanding work with veterans.

Marilyn dearly loved her family and was immensely proud of all her accomplishments.

Marilyn, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. You are forever in our hearts with love and you’re a beloved soul who has touched many lives. This is not good-bye, but see you later.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.