Marilyn Lee Polage

A Funeral Service for Marilyn will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva, Nebraska. Pastor Josh Yankus will preside over the Funeral Service. It was Marilyn's wish to be cremated following the Funeral Service and a private Committal of Ashes will be held in the Geneva Public Cemetery at a later date. Public Visitation will be Friday, December 26, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva. Memorials are suggested to the Fairmont Legion Auxiliary. Marilyn Lee Polage was born to Ralph Ernest and Mary Velma (Yates) Nun on January 25, 1934, in Geneva, Nebraska. She passed away on December 22, 2025, at Ridgewood Care Center in Seward, Nebraska, at the age of 91 years, 10 months, and 28 days. She was one of two children born to this family. Marilyn graduated from Ohiowa Public School in 1951. She later attended Fairbury Junior College and began her career as a teacher. Marilyn lived most of her life in the Geneva and Fairmont areas. On March 3, 1980, Marilyn was united in marriage to Gale Polage of Geneva, Nebraska. Through this marriage, Marilyn gained four children: Della, Dixie, Terry, and Tracy. Marilyn and Gale shared over 42 years of marriage until Gale’s passing on October 24, 2022. Marilyn was a longtime member of the Fairmont American Legion Auxiliary, where she served on the Legion Board, and was also active with the Geneva VFW. Marilyn and Gale owned the Southside Tavern, where Marilyn was the head cook. Over the years, she also worked at the Nebraska Signal, Jill’s Sweet Shop, and the Fairmont grocery store until its closing. For a short time, she was also part owner of a small clothing store in Geneva. Marilyn greatly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She cherished many trips with the “Fun Club” and family camping outings that were filled with cooking, laughter, and memories. Marilyn had a soft spot for animals and lovingly cared for her own cats and dogs, as well as any stray that happened to find its way to her home until it could return where it belonged. She enjoyed collecting salt and pepper shakers and was always on the lookout to add to her collection during her travels. An avid Elvis fan, Marilyn loved his music and memorabilia, along with country music, Sunday morning polka radio shows, western movies with Gale, and the occasional game show. She had a very giving heart and would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. Marilyn especially treasured being an active part of her grandchildren’s lives as they grew from childhood into adulthood. She and Gale also enjoyed an active social life with many outings to the Geneva VFW and Fairmont American Legion. Marilyn truly lived life to the fullest, cherishing every moment spent with family and friends. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Mary Nun; her husband, Gale Polage; daughter, Dixie Umstead; son-in-law, Charles DeLay; granddaughter, Bridget Belding; nephew, Robby Nun; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marvin and Martha Polage; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Delores and Melvin Marshman; and sister-in-law, Lynn Nun. She is survived by her children, Della and Michael Crutcher, and Terry and Bobbie Polage, all of Geneva, Nebraska; Tracy Polage of Williamston, North Carolina; son-in-law, Bruce Umstead of Howard, South Dakota; brother, Roger Nun of Geneva, Nebraska; 20 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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Marilyn Lee Polage

January 25, 1934 - December 22, 2025