Marian K Towne

Marian Kleinsasser was born July 24, 1933, to John P. and Katherine Tieszen Kleinsasser on a farm north of Freeman, South Dakota. She grew up in a supportive Mennonite community and was baptized at the Hutterthal Mennonite Church. Marian was a graduate of a one-room rural school, Freeman Academy and Junior College, Bethel College (Kansas), The University of Chicago, and Christian Theological Seminary. Marian taught English and Speech, and coached Drama in high schools and colleges in Kansas, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana. After retiring from teaching, she wrote seven books, including Bread of Life: Diaries and Memories of a Dakota Family, 1936-1945; A Midwest Gardener’s Cookbook; The Onliest One Alive: The As-Told-To Autobiography of Hyacinth Thrash, Jonestown Survivor; and four histories. Marian ran unsuccessfully for election to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1986 on the Democratic ticket and later served as the Democratic Precinct Chairperson in Ward 20, Precinct 6, for many years. She was a community activist throughout her adult life, helping to organize Gleaners Food Bank, The Caring Community, and Hoosiers Concerned About Gun Violence, all in Indianapolis. Marian was an active member of the Indianapolis Woman’s Club, Church Women United, League of Women Voters, and the American Association of University Women United, League of Women Voters, and the American Association of University Women. She was an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and a member of the Whitewater Valley Presbytery Commission on Ministry. She served on the national boards of Church Women United and Bread for the World. Marian is survived by two sons, Karl Kaufman and Stephen Towne: two stepsons, Jon and Nathan Towne, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Fairview Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis on Saturday, March 4, at 2pm. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Towne family.