Marilyn Kay Maschke, age 72, of Merrill, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, while under the care of Interim Hospice. She was born on January 2, 1952, to the late Glen and Julia (Tscherter) Buffinton in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Marilyn graduated from Merrill High School in 1971, and began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Pine Crest Nursing Home shortly thereafter, putting in 40 ½ years until her retirement. Marilyn met Clarence Maschke, and the two were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill on May 28, 1978. He survives. The couple were members at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill.
Family was first and foremost in Marilyn’s life, especially her grandchildren, they were her everything. She enjoyed reading, and hosting parties for family and friends. Marilyn was an amazing cook and was well-known for her famous caramel bars! She had a huge collection of recipes and always liked to try something new. Marilyn was very passionate about her flower gardens, she loved flowers, especially Calla Lilly’s and Fuchsias. She also would care for her tomato plants and harvest the tomatoes. Marilyn enjoyed watching the hummingbirds visit her flowers. She was a kind and giving woman that always put others first, truly having a servant’s heart. Marilyn will be sadly missed, but will remain with her family and friends forever.
Marilyn is survived by her husband of 45 years: Clarence Maschke, son: Jason (Renae) Maschke, daughter: Julia (Pat) Spoehr, her beloved grandchildren: Steven Spoehr, Paige Spoehr and Alex Maschke, brother: Jerry (Cindy) Buffinton, sisters-in-law: Beverly (John) Prentice, Rose (Steve) Macheichok and Linda (John) Gleason, brother-in-law: Joseph (Faye) Maschke, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law: Anthony and Eleanor Maschke, stepparent-in-law: Margery KlammerBuffinton and brothers-in-law: Butch Hendricks and Randy Maschke.
The memorial service for Marilyn will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill. Pastor Scott Gustafson will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the funeral home.
For those unable to attend the service in person, a recording of the service will be posted under her obituary on the funeral home website and will be available for future viewing. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.