Marijean Meisner Flom passed away peacefully on the evening of October 24, 2026, at the age of 97.

Marijean was born on January 20, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, to Walter and Luella (Daib) Meisner. She graduated from Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1950 and returned to Chicago, where she began her career teaching special education in the Chicago Public Schools.

On July 5, 1952, she married Richard (Dick) C. Flom of Menasha, Wisconsin. They began their life together in Detroit, Michigan, before moving to Minneapolis with their young son, Richard (Rick) Jr. Their family grew with the births of Barbara and David, and Minneapolis became home for the next 60 years.

Throughout those years, Marijean was actively involved in her community, participating in the PTA and local politics. She was a longtime member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Richfield Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed serving others through her involvement in Stephen Ministry. She also returned to the special education classroom in the Minneapolis Public Schools, renewing her commitment to education and the students she served.

Marijean and Dick met at Lawrence, and their connection to the university remained an important part of their lives. Following Dick’s death on September 9, 1991, Marijean continued the family’s longstanding relationship with Lawrence, staying connected to the university and supporting its educational mission through volunteer service and financial gifts.

Marijean’s love of travel began when Dick’s work took their family to Scotland for two years. That experience sparked a lifelong enthusiasm for exploring new places and continued to inspire her well into her later years. Annual stays in Naples, Florida, where she visited her many friends, along with numerous overseas adventures with friends and family, kept her engaged with the world and connected to the people she loved.

In 2013, Marijean returned to Appleton and made her home at Touchmark. There, she enjoyed building new friendships and reconnecting with old friends. She also volunteered as a resident ambassador, warmly welcoming newcomers and helping them feel at home in the community.

Marijean’s long life was marked by a deep connection to family and community, a spirit of adventure, and an enduring appreciation for friendship. Her family was often amazed by her ability to make meaningful connections with strangers, even in a brief conversation. She was the family’s kinkeeper, keeping people connected across generations and miles. And there was always room at her table for one more.

Marijean is survived by her children: Richard (Amy) Flom, Barbara (Gregg) Bohling, David (Karen) Flom; grandchildren: Richard (Jaime Arafin) Flom III, Jessie (Decker) Jory, Katherine (Drew) Derrick, Ian (Laine) Flom, Olivia Flom, Stuart Bohling, Eric (Courtney) Bohling, Colin Flom; great grandchildren: Lachlan, Gwen, Georgia, Odin, Aurora, Juliette; as well as other relative and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard, her parents; her siblings: Wallie (Gayle) Meisner, Marion (John) Harker as well as Richard’s siblings and parents.

A memorial service to celebrate Marijean will take place on November 14, 2026, at 11:00am at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E Glendale Ave, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the church from 10:00am until the service begins. Marijean will be interred at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St Jude’s in Marijean’s memory.