On February 1, 2024, Marilyn Janet Filber (nee Volkmann), 88, was welcomed into heaven by her Lord and Savior. Marilyn joins her beloved husband, Art, who passed away July 29, 2015.
Marilyn was born to Harold and Hazel (Utech) Volkmann on February 3, 1935, in Wauwatosa.
Marilyn had a competitive spirit, enjoyed playing different sports, and was a lifeguard at Hoyt Pool. She also achieved the rank of Senior Girl Scout. Marilyn graduated from Tosa High and went on to work at several secretarial jobs. It was at Center Street Fuel that Marilyn met a coal truck driver and fell in love. They rode many miles on Art’s ‘51 Harley. Art and Marilyn were married on June 6, 1958 at Our Redeemer in Wauwatosa. Always up for a challenge and adventure, Marilyn moved with Art to a farm in the Town of Wayne. The house had no indoor bathroom for the first year. She was the original pioneer woman! Marilyn loved her country life. She learned to drive tractors, take care of livestock, butcher chickens and ducks, maintain a garden, and can and freeze produce. She enjoyed baking and decorating wedding cakes, knitting, sewing, was an avid bird watcher, and could make some yummy pies.
Marilyn and Art raised 5 children to be God-fearing and hard-working. She had a strong faith in God and lived her life to please Him. Marilyn was active in the Wayne Crusaders 4-H Club and devoted many hours for the members. She drove a school bus, worked for the Dept. of Social Services and for the District Attorney’s Office. While she followed all the state sports, Marilyn was a Packer fan to her core. No matter what the scores or season outcomes, that was her team. If anyone had a negative word about the Packers, Marilyn quickly set them straight.
She is survived by 3 sons, Paul, Peter (Kyle), and Philip, a daughter, Patti (Scott) Derge; a son-in-law, Tim Hartfiel; her grandchildren, Shannon Schutz, Eric (Mariah), Adam, and Justin (Hailey) Hartfiel, Emily (Alex) Gross, Madisyn Filber, Harrison Filber, Olivia, Eli, and Ava Mae Filber; and her great-grandchildren, Trevor and Tyler Schutz, Gabby, Eric Jr., and Grace Hartfiel, Jaylyn and Phoebe Hartfiel, and Wyatt and HollyAnn Gross. She is further survived by her brother-in-law, Edward (Jeanne) Filber; nieces, a nephew, and other relatives; special pals, Judy Etta and Rosie Wolbrink; her Cedar Lake family, especially Marge, Stan, Jackie, Carl and Loretta, Terry, Stella; and many, many wonderful friends.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Art; her daughter, Pamela; her daughter-in-law, Janice; her brother, Ronald and his wife, Lois, and their children, Susan and Douglas; Uncle Elfred and Aunt Irma Jones; her brother-in-law, Jim (Shirley); her cousins, Bill Utech and Bruce Augustine; and a grandson, Ben Derge.
Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 6438 Highway D, in Allenton, on Sunday, February 11, from noon to 2 p.m. followed by a Christian victory service and burial. There will be a lunch following the burial.
The family would like to thank Pastor Bode for his vigilant visits to Marilyn. and the loving and caring staff at Cedar Lake Home for their exceptional service. Mom thrived at her last home before heaven. We give a special thank you to Carol, Cassie, Darcie, Jackie, Katie, Liz, Nikki, and Robin for sharing her life and being so devoted.
Memorials to WELS Mission Fund (https://wels.net/giving/ministry-of-christian-giving/give-a-gift/welsendowment-funds) or the charity of your choice is appreciated.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
The Myrhum – Patten Funeral and Cremation Service has been entrusted with Marilyn’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.
