Marilyn Marcheta Bowker OHS Business teacher and Cheer Coach

January 14, 1933 – August 31, 2025

Marilyn Marcheta Bowker, age 92, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025 in the presence of many friends and the dedicated staff at Brookdale Assisted Living, Haslett, Michigan. 

Marilyn was born on January 14, 1933 during the great depression. She had a very humble upbringing. Marilyn graduated from Western Michigan University and received her Masters degree from Michigan State University. Marilyn's teaching career began at Okemos High School where she taught typing and directed cheerleading where she took her squad to the national championship and was awarded 1st place in the nation.

Marilyn was a highly educated woman and extremely motivated. She touched the hearts and souls of the students she mentored. Decades after her retirement from OHS, she still maintained the friendships she made with her cheerleaders and former colleagues, often attending award ceremonies and luncheons. Marilyn was also an accomplished pianist and a multi-instrumentalist. Her passions and energy were boundless. It seemed as though there was truly nothing she could not master.

Her marriage to Don created a partnership the likes of which are not witnessed often. Being both teachers and mentors, the two had a positive and lasting effect on the thousands of students they encountered.In the summer months, Marilyn, Don and Pam traveled together and provided Pam with valuable cultural experiences. Marilyn will be dearly missed by her community, cheerleaders throughout decades and her former colleagues from OHS. Marilyn has left us with a truly amazing legacy.

Surviving are her daughter Pam; granddaughter Shannon; great grandson Easton; nieces Donna, Gail and Barbie. The celebration of Marilyn's life will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 12pm until 4pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America or the Meridian Historical Village.

On behalf of Marilyn, we would like to thank you all for every memory and friendship you created. Blessings all.

 

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We just learned our "Most Beloved Teacher and Cheerleading Coach, Marilyn Bowker" passed away on August 31, 2025. 

We will update as more information becomes available. 

Our thanks for notification by another beloved teacher and coach, John Bjorkquist. 

Photo courtesy of Joe Dzenowagis OHS 1974

 

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Marilyn's 90th birthday party, video courtesy of Joe Dzenowagis OHS 1974.

"Our Beloved Mrs. Bowker's Birthday Party"  Posted Apr 1, 2023

"A lot of love, hugs and smiles from former Okemos students and teachers, friends and neighbors for Mrs. Marilyn Bowker's on her 90th birthday. This video, at 14 minutes, includes the hugs, several interviews and the birthday song."

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From the Michigan Cheer Judges Association website:

Paying homage to one of the best in the cheer community and honoring her legacy!

"The MCJA Marilyn Bowker Award is presented as recognition for the accomplishments and contributions of the recipient over the course of a career with cheer.  Named after one of Michigan’s leading organizers of Competitive Cheer, Marilyn Bowker.  The recipient of this award will have shown dedication to educating and mentoring officials in Competitive Cheer.  Membership in MCJA, registration with MHSAA, consistent contributions to the sport of Competitive Cheer and the advancement of equity in girls educational athletics.  Recipients of the Marilyn Bowker Award may be nominated by anyone, but will be voted on and approved by a majority vote of the MCJA Executive Board.  The award will be given out on an as needed basis, and will be limited to one recipient per calendar year and announced at the annual Fall Training."

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In 1998, Mrs. Bowker was named Official of the Year by the Michigan Cheer Judges Association.

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Published May 15, 1963 Lansing State Journal

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Published May 22, 1966 Lansing State Journal

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Published March 9, 1967 Lansing State Journal

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Published May 28, 1967 Lansing State Journal

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Published March 26, 1972 Lansing State Journal

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Published July 5, 1975 Lansing State Journal

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Published July 4, 1976 Lansing State Journal

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Published July 5, 1977 Lansing State Journal

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Published August 6, 1980 Lansing State Journal

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Published August 21 1980 Lansing State Journal

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Published August 24 1980 Lansing State Journal

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Published February 16 1981 Lansing State Journal

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Published August 23 1981 Lansing State Journal

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Published August 17 1983 Lansing State Journal

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Published October 2, 1983 Lansing State Journal

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Published June 17, 1984 Lansing State Journal

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Published August 9, 1984 Lansing State Journal

 

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Published August 26, 1984 Lansing State Journal

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Published November 17, 1986 Lansing State Journal'

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Published October 9, 1988 Lansing State Journal

(Close-ups of article above)

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Published March 4, 1989 Lansing State Journal

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Published April 13, 1989 Lansing State Journal

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Published May 29, 1990 Lansing State Journal

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Published July 21, 1992 Lansing State Journal

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https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/east-lansing-mi/marilyn-bowker-12504967