Marilyn L. Muench, age 75, a Manitowoc resident, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Green Bay.

She was born November 11, 1948 in Manitowoc, daughter of the late Theodore and Irene (Osesek) Becker. Marilyn attended St. Paul Catholic School and then Lincoln High School, graduating with the class of 1967. On August 11, 1978 she married Ronald Muench at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kellnersville. Marilyn was employed at various local businesses included Community Adoption Center and First National Bank as a secretary and Nash Law Firm and Von Briesen Law Firm as a legal secretary.

Marilyn is survived by her husband of 45 years: Ron Muench, Manitowoc; her son: Derek Muench (fiancée Alexis Hardin), Sheboygan; daughter and son-in-law: Lesley (Skyler) Teigen, Lake Elmo, MN; grandson: Huck Julian Teigen; niece: Jody LeGreve, Two Rivers; nephew: Tim (Chris) Lemberger, Manitowoc; her lifelong friend of 71 years: Beverly Badker, Manitowoc; special close relative: Brother Mike Kadow, Minneapolis, MN; and her cat Trixie "Nubbins". Many cousins as well as other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister: Nancy Lemberger; niece: Laurie Lemberger; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Bernard and Lydia Muench; and her longtime friend, Joyce Fogeltanz.

Marms or Marmie, as she was called by those closest to her, held her family near and dear to her heart. She was a mother, a daughter, a wife, a friend, a listener, a gardener, a giver and a lover. She always thought of others more than herself and would give anyone anything and expected nothing in return. She was a genuine, caring, thoughtful, and compassionate person. She was simple, yet full of life. She was known as "Princess" to her loving husband of over 45 years and 'Gamma" to her favorite grandson, "Jelly Bean".

Marms created once-in-a-lifetime memories for all to cherish, starting with her children. Marmie was the "cool" mom, everyone's mom. She always welcomed her children's childhood friends to bonfires, games, dinners, holidays, and so much more. She made sure the family was home for dinner, and the children were back home when the streetlights came on. She always knew what was going on and was always welcome to "hang out" with her children's friends. She was part of the gang.

She loved her Manitowoc community, was a devote Catholic, and proud of her Polish heritage. She loved music especially doo wop, polkas, and her all-time favorite, Elvis. It was rare that she ever missed an episode of her favorite soap opera, "Days of Our Lives", or favorite sitcom, "I Love Lucy". And not a day went by where she didn't say a prayer or the rosary.

For those who knew Marilyn, knew she wouldn't leave the house until she put "her face on" and her hair was done. Flowers were central to her world as she loved geraniums, working in her flower beds, and having fresh cut flowers in the house. When she wasn't working outside, she loved playing games, spending time with old friends, attending church picnics, taking drives throughout the city, dinners at Applebee's and 7 Lakes, and her afternoon naps. Afternoon naps always included cuddling with her beloved cats.

Marms loved the holidays; it was a time for her to be creative. Whether it was the annual wall-to-wall Christmas village under the tree, homemade life-size sparklers for the Fourth of July, or hearts all over the yard for Valentine's Day, she always made the holidays fun and special. Her creativity carried over to the kitchen, often hosting and cooking family, holiday meals. You could find her enjoying a brandy old fashioned seltzer with olives over friendly conversation. She always gave practical, loving gifts for Christmas, and wouldn't wish for anything more than a comfortable pair of footies and a bottle of Heaven Scent.

Technology was not her friend. FaceTime usually consisted of talking to her chin or forehead and the furniture in the living room. But, over time, she was determined to learn how to navigate her phone to watch Huck's hockey games, keep in touch from afar, converse with old classmates and print pictures for the refrigerator. Marilyn enjoyed coordinating the Class of '67 class reunions, often maintaining several spreadsheets, picture files and saving things to CDs. She made technology work for her.

Marilyn's whole world was her "Wonnie, DR, Lulu, and Jelly Bean." Family will always remember her 5-mile walks, long bike rides in the summertime, ice skating on the Manitowoc River and Silver Lake, sledding at Wilson bowl on tin saucers, and taking the family out in the old Cadillac. Family and friends will forever love her dirt cake. Most importantly, family and friends will remember a truly special, one-of-a-kind woman that was humble, kind, caring, cheerful and fun.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Jason Blahnik. Following the service, a luncheon for family and friends will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc. Cremation will follow at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory, and Marilyn will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc, at a later date. The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:30 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The family appreciates flowers to celebrate Marilyn's life. Please also consider donating in her memory to the Lakeshore Humane Society by visiting www.lakeshorehumane.org. Marilyn adopted several cats over the years from the humane society and would appreciate your support.

Thank you to the medical staff at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers and Aurora Baycare Medical Center in Green Bay with a very special thank you to the kind, caring and compassionate staff in the Intensive Care Units.