It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Marilyn (Kankelborg Kalarchik) O’Brien, age 84, of Butte, MT, who died peacefully on Thursday, January 30th, 2025.
Marilyn was born in 1941 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Andrew and Louise Kankelborg. She was known for her energetic spirit, her vivid appreciation for life, and her dedication to her work as a social worker. After earning her social science degree from Montana State University, Marilyn went on to have a successful and impactful career, touching the lives of countless individuals and families. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was deeply passionate about fashion and travel, always eager to explore new places and embrace life’s adventures.
Marilyn was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She fell in love with Jerome Kalarchik, and together they had Andrew, Scott, and Kirn Kalarchik. Marilyn was blessed with five grandchildren: Eric, Shay, Bryan, Ariel, and Tristan, and three great grandchildren, all of whom she deeply cherished. She is survived by her children Scott (Kat) Kalarchik and Kim Wilcox; her grandchildren; her great-grandchildren; and her brothers, Frank (Annette) and Andrew (Sheila) Kankelborg. Marilyn is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Andi Lynn Kankelborg, Kat (Wayne) Bossung, Kole Kankelborg, Kehli (Randy) Hazlett, and Kyle Kankelborg. She was preceded in death by her husband Jerome Kalarchik, her son Andrew Kalarchik, her parents Andrew and Louise Kankelborg and her sisters Joann and Paulette.
A memorial service to honor Marilyn will be held on April 24, 2025 at Holy Cross Cemetery. The service will begin at 10:00 am.
The family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Marilyn.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Marilyn and her family.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Pete Philips says
Marilyn has been a family friend for as long as I can remember, she’ll be missed.
Shawna Stevenson says
I’ve known Marilyn since I was a child. She was best friends with my mom. I grew up with her kids so this makes me very very sad. She was a very sweet soul always doing for others. never asked for anything in return she will be deeply missed. We love you all. God bless you, Shawna and Dee Stevenson
Susan (Christensen) Lerner says
Marilyn took me under her wings of love, compassion and kindness 50 years ago. She saved my life, and the lives of many others who were never loved unconditionally, or even loved at all. I called Marilyn my “nother -mother, and she called me her “nother-daughter. I am eternally grateful for Marilyn and her family – truly one of the most loving families I’ve been blessed to have known. Rest in peace, Marilyn. I love you. Until we meet again, xx