Blessed by God's perfect timing and by His mercy and grace, Marilyn Ruth (Larsen) Wilsman was called to her heavenly home on Sunday morning, September 15, 2024, with her daughter Debra at her side, singing hymns and holding her hand. Marilyn was born on October 28, 1937, in Suring, Wisconsin, to Maynard and Gladys Larsen; she was baptized on November 14 that year and confirmed into the Christian faith on May 25, 1952. Marilyn was a vivacious, active and well-respected student who graduated with the class of 1955 at Suring High. In her yearbook, it reads:

If laughter is good for one's soul, she'll live forever.

That gregarious girl went on to attend Bellin Nursing School in Green Bay; it was during her days as a young nurse that she met her first love, Bob Natzke, while caring for his grandfather in the hospital. They married and she moved to Wayside, where she served as a farmer's wife, the mother of five, the secretary for AAL, a leader in the local 4-H chapter, and a member of the Ladies Aid and the church choir. She even helped start the school lunch program at Zion, where their children attended grade school, all while continuing to work casual part-time in the newborn nursery and later at hospice. Marilyn was a skilled seamstress, a diligent caregiver, a doting mom, foster mom and grammy, and an award-winning baker. Everyone loved Marilyn's homemade pastries, pies, rolls and, of course, her incredible Danish Kringle, all made with love.

In her retirement, Marilyn found two new loves: Harold Wilsman and bowling. She married Harold and they bowled together almost every day. As a result of her success on the lanes, she was inducted into the Green Bay Women's Bowling Hall of Fame.

Marilyn is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren and one great granddaughter. She is also survived by her five siblings and their families, all of whom she loved fiercely, along with many extended family members and cherished friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Harold, her beloved son Mark, and two dear nephews.

We will celebrate Marilyn's life on October 11, 2024, with a viewing at 3:00 pm followed by a funeral service and light dinner at 5:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Wayside, WI.

Marilyn's family thanks Sage Meadow in De Pere for their loving kindness during her 5-year battle with dementia and Bristol Hospice of Green Bay for their compassionate care in her final days. In lieu of floral arrangements, please donate to your favorite charity in Marilyn's memory.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. ~Jeremiah 29:11