Marilynn Joyce Roessler

Marilynn Joyce Roessler, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 5, 2023, surrounded by her husband and three sons. She was born on January 20, 1940, daughter of Christian parents, Emerson and Evelyn Schley in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. She grew up on a farm near Burnett with her two sisters, Lauretta and Barbara. As the oldest daughter she had farm chores to do, including milking cows, feeding animals, even pitching bundles into the threshing machine. As a member of 4-H, she learned gardening, sewing, and cooking from her stay-at-home mom. She attended country school and graduated from Horicon High School in 1957. Marilynn pursued a Home Economics teaching degree from Stout State University, where she met her husband, Richard Roessler. She married Richard on August 24, 1963 in Beaver Dam, WI. She enjoyed being an Air Force wife for 21 years. She held many special titles; a devoted daughter, a loving wife, a comforting mother, an enthusiastic sister, a faithful classmate, a proud in-law, a dedicated teacher, a doting grandmother, and a true and loyal friend to many. Marilynn taught Home Economics for three years, but after moving to Virginia on an Air Force assignment, she was offered a job teaching second grade and soon discovered that her true passion was teaching elementary students. She pursued her Elementary degree and taught in Rapid City, South Dakota for 20 years. She was named Rapid City School District’s Teacher of the Year in 1992. Marilynn worked as a Laubach literacy tutor and a hospice volunteer in Rapid City. After moving to Fond du Lac in 1995, she was a substitute teacher at Fond du Lac and Oakfield elementary schools for 12 years. Marilynn loved raising her three sons and was filled with much love and pride for them. She considered being a mother the best “job” she ever had. She supported them in all their childhood sporting and scouting activities. The same love and pride was later shared with her eight treasured grandchildren who called her “Grammy”, and who enriched her life more than words can say. Her first great-grandchild is due to arrive in April of next year. Marilynn was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, which she considered a gift from God. She was born with a genuine and unwavering care for people. She valued her personal relationships and treasured the time she spent with those close to her. She was a long-time member of Covenant United Methodist Church, where she was involved with Rachel-Sarah Circle, and co-chaired the Missions Sending Forth Committee. She also worked on various committees to support local missions in Fond du Lac. Marilynn traveled to the Philippines with Rich as missionaries in 1989 and to New Orleans with her sister Barby after hurricane Katrina. She enjoyed skiing, painting, ceramics, music, quilting, traveling, cooking, reading, and hosting family get-togethers. She is survived by her faithful and loving husband Richard of 60 years, her three loving sons and daughters-in-law, and eight wonderful grandchildren: Peter (wife Lara) of Grand Rapids, MI and their children Ethan, Jake, and Evelyn; Jeffrey (wife Jacqueline) of Verona, WI and their sons Nathan (wife Erin) and Jack; Timothy (wife Rachel) of Santa Cruz, CA and their children Zachary, Gabriel, and Kaeli. She is further survived by her sisters Lauretta (John) Kurth of Columbus, and Barbara Schley of Madison; her brother-in-law Jarry (Donna) Roessler of Granbury, TX, and sister-in-law Carleen Olson (Roessler) of Rochester, MN. Marilynn also has many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who brought much pleasure and joy to her life. Preceding her in death are her parents Emerson and Evelyn Schley, her father & mother-in-law (Carlton and Fern Roessler), a cherished little sister Juanita Jean, and 2 dear nephews, John (Hans) and Christopher Kurth. VISITATION & SERVICE: The family will greet family and friends from 9:00 to 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Covenant United Methodist Church, 20 North Marr Street, Fond du Lac, WI, followed immediately by a Memorial Service and lunch. In lieu of flowers, please feel encouraged to make a donation in Marilynn’s name to Covenant United Methodist Church.

Marilynn Joyce Roessler

January 20, 1940 - November 5, 2023