OBITUARIES: Marilyn Jean (Zonker) Kelsen

Marilyn Jean (Zonker) Kelsen
Aug. 24, 1933 — Aug. 30, 2010
Marilyn Jean (Zonker) Kelsen died at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz at the age of 77 after a long illness.
Mrs. Kelsen was born in Santa Monica to Lawrence and Bertha Zonker. She grew up in the Los Angeles area and graduated from Compton College as a member of the Alpha Tau sorority.
She married Laurence Kelsen on May 15, 1955, and the couple recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.
Mrs. Kelsen lived in Huntington Park, Westminster, Fountain Valley, Ben Lomond and West Rock Hill, Penn., before moving to Bonny Doon 33 years ago. She was retired from active work as human resources manager with the California Department of Forestry’s Felton Branch. She had also served as CEO of a small electronics firm.
Relatives described her as industrious, supportive and encouraging of her family, ready with a smile even in adversity.
Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Laurence Kelsen; five sons, Kenneth, Keith, Kevin, Kendall and Kirk Kelsen; and four grandchildren, all from the Bay Area.
There will be a private memorial service in celebration of her life.
Contributions Mrs. Kelsen’s name may be sent to the ACR Research and Education Foundation, 220 Lake Blvd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30319.