Beloved Marion High School teacher Kenan Virlee passed away on November 8, 2020. Mr. Virlee began the Russian program at Marion High School, which became the largest high school Russian program in the state. Kenan was recognized by the Iowa Department of Education for the curriculum he developed for the 4-year Russian program. He organized trips for his students to Russia and France in alternating years, beginning in 1986, and lasting through 2002. Hundreds of students were able to experience France and Russia through Kenan’s efforts. In 2008, he was inducted as a member of the Marion Independent School Foundation Hall of Fame.
Our hearts go out to Kenan Virlee’s family and friends. In lieu of flowers, his family has requested memorial contributions be directed to the Marion Independent School Foundation at 777 S. 15th St, Marion, IA, 52302. You may also make a contribution online through our Donate page and note “Virlee Memorial” in the Comment box.
As an example of the memorable relationship he fostered with students, prior to Mr. Virlee’s retirement, his 2002 Russian class came up with these Top Twenty Virlee-isms to honor him and the humor he brought to class every day:
20. I’m the sultan.
19. Shut up your face.
18. I just want 10 minutes a night…
17. Should I get you a megaphone so the whole school can hear you?
16. But of course!
15. You cookieputz
14. Get that garden grease outa here.
13. Where are my scholars?
12. Who’s the swine?
11. Turn page.
10. You shall not pass.
9. Number next.
8. You cannot juxtapose those words.
7. Oh, so your house is learning Russian?
6. Should I give you Lincoln Logs?
5. I’ll send you to Siberia to count birch trees.
4. I wasn’t sleeping. I was just resting my eyes.
3. Don’t make me sick my killer goats on you.
2. Get outta the sultan’s chair.
1. You can’t out fox the fox.