Marilyn Ann Koerner

We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Marilyn Ann Koerner. Marilyn, of Beaver Dam, WI, passed away after living 86 beautiful years on Friday, February 24, 2023 at her daughter’s home, with family by her side. She was born in Burnett, WI on October 4, 1936, the daughter of the late Frances and Raymond Krueger, and was raised at the family’s cheese factory. Marilyn was most known for her unconditional, selfless love for her family, as well as her dedication to her students as a teacher, her love for playing cards, and her amazing cooking.

Marilyn possessed many fond memories of her days growing up in the cheese factory. From hard labor filled days to getting into a paint war with her siblings in the basement. She continuously cherished these days and recounted how they made her the strong, devoted, and hard-working woman she was. While working at the cheese factory Marilyn attended a one room schoolhouse in Burnett, WI. Marilyn’s passion for education shined at a young age when she began assisting her schoolteacher in mentoring her fellow and younger classmates. She was the first in the Krueger line to graduate from High School in 1954. Immediately following graduation Marilyn furthered her education obtaining a two-year teaching degree from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Not only was Marilyn the first to graduate from high school, but she became the first in the family to graduate from college. Soon after, Marilyn met her ex-husband Kenneth E. Koerner in 1957, and together they had five children. Her fondness for the one room schoolhouse led Marilyn to teach at one herself in Burnett, WI prior to being hand-selected to teach in Fox Lake, WI.

Marilyn was devoted to furthering her personal education and obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, all while raising five children and working. Upon receiving her degree Marilyn continued her passion for teaching by working at Washington Elementary School in Beaver Dam, WI. Her desire to help others led her to working with children with learning disorders within special education. Marilyn also taught summer school at Lincoln Elementary School and taught Sunday School, with the assistance of her granddaughters, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam, WI. Marilyn retired from teaching in 2006. She found it rewarding when she would run into former students many years later, that would share how she had made a remarkable impact in their lives.

Outside of teaching, Marilyn was well known for her love of playing cards. Marilyn loved playing solitaire or Canasta with her card club ladies. She shared her passion for these card games as well as King’s Corner with her children and many grandchildren. It became a tradition to play Canasta at all family functions. All her grandchildren knew you were lucky to be on her team for Canasta, as you would most likely be on the winning side. These family functions were also always filled with Marilyn’s amazing cooking and baking skills where the special ingredient of love filled everyone’s heart. The memories of cooking and baking with Marilyn that she shared with generations will be remembered for years to come.

Marilyn has become a true inspiration for her many family members and friends. It became a question of what Marilyn was not capable of, as she conquered every task in front of her graciously and humbly. She continued to live life with a smile on her face and looking out for others up until her final moments.

In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her ex-husband Kenneth Koerner, brother Donald Krueger, and grandson Andrew Koerner. Marilyn lives on through her sister Kathryn F. Schauer; her children Jeffrey (Joyce) Koerner, Linda Burton, Brenda Stacey, Patricia (Tony) Roedl, and Diana (Jason) Dahlke. Marilyn also has many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her beloved grandchildren are Erica Koerner, Vanessa Koerner, Madelyn Koerner, Douglas Koerner, Dustin Burton, Jennifer (Chad) Schirner, Katelyn Burton, Fallon (Perry) Mullen, Christopher (Nicole) Smosna, Brianna Stacey, Taylor Roedl, Lucas Jahnke, and Aaron Jahnke. Marilyn’s great grandchildren include Fiona, Penelope, Andy, Sean, Beau, Lana, Wesson, Harper, and Hayes.

A memorial service for Marilyn will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2023 at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home, N7199 N. Crystal Lake Rd., Beaver Dam, WI with the Rev. Jim Wendt officiating.  A visitation will be held prior from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.  Following the funeral service for Marilyn there will be a luncheon with fellowship held at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association at 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 201, Middleton, WI 53562 or online at ttps://wrea.net/donations/donate.asp?id=17559.

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.