Kay Marx

Kay Ann Zimmermann Marx, 77, of West Bend, WI, passed away on March 28, 2025, at Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center in West Bend, surrounded by her family.

A memorial service will take place on Friday, April 4th at 2 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mayville with the Rev. Traci Maass officiating. A visitation will be held from 12-2 p.m. at the church. Inurnment will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville.

Kay was born on September 15, 1947, to Elvie and Arno Zimmermann in Mayville, WI. She was their only child and treasured daughter. Kay was a devoted wife to her childhood sweetheart, Stanley Marx, with whom she shared 56 wonderful years of marriage. They met in 7th and 8th grade, and their love story blossomed from that early connection. She was also a loving mother to Deborah Thums (Chad) of Madison WI and Michelle Henry (Jason) of Hartford WI. Her beloved grandson, Nicholas Thums, brought her great joy.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Elvie and Arno Zimmermann, and her and Stan’s infant son, John.

Kay had a rewarding 40-year career as a nurse, working in various roles at Beaver Dam Hospital. Later in her career, she proudly earned her BSN, an achievement that reflected her unwavering dedication to her profession. Kay was also a proud graduate of Mayville High School, where she was the valedictorian of the class of 1965. After her retirement, she continued to give back to the hospital by volunteering at their foot care clinic. Kay also shared her love of nature and wildlife by volunteering her time at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center, where she could often be found helping to promote environmental awareness.

Outside of her career and volunteer work, Kay was a passionate traveler and loved to spend time with her family. She cherished watching Nick play baseball, often cheering him on with the phrase, ‘Get a hit for Nana!’ which he did without fail. Kay enjoyed knitting and crocheting, making numerous baby afghans for loved ones, and she also spent many peaceful days fishing with Stan. She was a lover of reading and puzzles, and a dedicated member of St. Paul’s Church, where she played handbells for many years. Additionally, she was an active participant in the Red Hats in Mayville. Kay’s family was the center of her world, and she will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (https://ocrahope.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/make-a-donation/) or the Nurses Foundation of Wisconsin (https://www.wisconsinnurses.org/donate-today/), dedicated to promoting health and advancing the nursing profession through financial support of education and research.