(nee Dorff) Born to Eternal Life on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at the age of 93. Marilyn was able to spend her last few days at home and passed away peacefully with her family. She was raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the youngest of four children to Edwin and Willamina Dorff.
Marilyn graduated as a Registered Nurse from St. Francis School of Nursing in La Crosse in 1952 and moved out west to begin her nursing career working at the Naval Hospital in San Diego. She subsequently met her husband Duane who was stationed in San Diego, California following his service in the Korean War. Duane and Marilyn were married in Kenosha on January 14, 1956 and remained in Wisconsin where they raised their family.
In addition to raising their seven sons, Marilyn worked at St. Lukes and St. Francis Hospital’s in Milwaukee in the intensive care unit (ICU).
She was an avid reader who enjoyed baking and making elaborate birthday cakes for her family. Other interests included attending and supporting her son’s sporting events, country painting, knitting, travelling out west for family ski trips, exploring various countries and her St. Gabriel church family.
Marilyn is survived by her loving husband Duane of 68 years. Loving mother to seven sons; Duane Jr. (Leslie), Paul (Marian), Jeff (Cindy), Joel (Mary), Bob, Bruce, and Chris (Paula). Cherished grandmother to 23 grandchildren, Grandmother to 13 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be on Friday November 22nd at St. Gabriel Catholic Church; 1200 St. Gabriel Way, Hubertus, WI from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. A Mass will be held at St. Gabriel’s following visitation at 12:30 with a luncheon to follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marilyn’s name can be directed to American Red Cross.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and two brothers, and sister in-laws and a brother-in-law.