Margaret E. "Marge" Killian of Bourbon, Missouri was born on Jan. 16, 1923 in Bourbon, Missouri to Anna and Leo Friesenhan and passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026 at the age of 103 years.
She attended Bourbon School and graduated in 1943. After graduating she attended Secretarial school in St. Louis, Missouri.
Marge married Donald Killian of Sullivan, Missouri on June 26, 1946.
During their marriage, they lived in Aberdeen, Maryland and Flora, Mississippi. Marge worked as a civil service secretary while Don served in the Army. After returning to St. Louis, Marge worked for Monsanto for six years while Don attended dental school. When they moved back to Sullivan, Marge served as a bookkeeper and receptionist for her husband’s dental practice for 10 years. Later, she became a realtor in the Bourbon and Sullivan Area. In addition, she worked for her sister, Pauline Harris, who owned the Town Tavern.
She grew up on the Friesenhan family dairy farm and treasured her close bond with her identical twin sister, Marie Davis, who lived next door. The Friesenhan twins were known for bringing double the fun wherever they went, whether dressing alike, playing jokes, or simply enjoying time together. Marge’s future husband, Don, would walk the railroad tracks to referee her basketball games. As the popular Friesenhan twins, Marge and Marie were “star” centers. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch even featured their story, noting how opponents often became confused trying to guard one while the other went unguarded.
Marge was crowned Miss Bourbon in 1941. She loved family reunions, country music and cooking for her family. Marge enjoyed dancing, even on her 100th birthday, she joyfully danced with support. Elvis also showed up to several of her birthday parties.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Donald Killian; daughter, Sandra Marie Killian; parents, Leo and Anna Friesenhan; six sisters, Helen Merkel, Frances Voss, Catherine Schroeder, Rose Bindner, Marie Davis and Pauline Harris.
She is survived by her daughters, Donna Carrillo and husband Ruben of St. Louis, Missouri and Gail Doza and husband Joe “Mike” of Springfield, Missouri; grandchildren, Christopher Carrillo of St. Louis, Missouri, Michele Sappington of Branson, Missouri and Joey Doza and wife Katrina of Republic, Missouri; great grandchildren, Sean Beasley and husband Dustin, Elizabeth Sappington, Makaylee Tetter and husband Jonah and Jaiden Doza; other relatives and friends.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026 at the Hill Cemetery near Bourbon, Missouri with Father Noah Waldman officiating.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, Missouri.
