Marilyn J. Katke, age 82, of Merrill, passed away at UW Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, on Thursday, June 9, 2022, surrounded by her family. Marilyn was born on June 17, 1939, in Marathon County, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Herman and Ruth (Jaeger) Lemke. She married Ewald Katke on March 21, 1959. He preceded her in death on December 23, 2021. She graduated from Merrill High School in 1957, and worked at Weinbrenner Shoe Company following graduation. After she was married, she worked with her husband on their dairy farm in Pine River. Marilyn also worked in the office for Peterson Sand & Gravel and Peterson & Latzig Evergreens. She truly loved her job and made many friends throughout her 47 years there. She was a faithful member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ. Marilyn served as a Sunday School Teacher, was a member of the church council, and served on other church committees. She enjoyed baking and making sure she made everyone’s favorites when they came to visit. Marilyn enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and playing dominoes. She loved Christmas, including decorating her Christmas tree differently every year and making a variety of Christmas cookies. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Steven (Christine) Katke of Clear Lake, MN, Terry (Kevin) Krueger of Merrill, Kaye (Anthony Munz) Katke of Two Rivers, and Mary Walsh of Merrill; grandchildren, Matthew (Katrina Depies) Krueger, Daniel (Emily) Krueger, Benjamin Katke, Samuel (Grace) Katke, Julia Joerger, Sarah Joerger, and Jacob Walsh; great-grandchildren, Henry, Josie, Zeppelin, and June; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-two years, her parents, her son-in-law, Michael Walsh; her siblings, Lois (Donald) Severt, Elmer (Judy) Lemke, and Dale Lemke; and sister-in-law, Carol Jean (Myron) Marquardt.
The funeral service for Marilyn will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. The Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. Entombment will follow at the Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 9:00 A.M. Wednesday at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com