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Obituary for Marilyn Y. Knuf
Born on Valentines’s Day, 1936, in Milltown, WI, Marilyn loved every minute of life. One of seven children, she managed to shine in her own right. As a child she was both mischievous and intelligent, athletic and caring. After graduating from high school, she attended college in Superior, taught for a year, and then enrolled at UW-River Falls to receive her 4-year degree. While there she met Phil who soon convinced her that she couldn’t live without him. They married, continued with their teaching careers and became parents to Linda, Sara, Jeff and Scott. Living in various towns throughout Wisconsin and ultimately residing and thriving in Frederic for 40 years, Marilyn made an impact wherever she went. Teaching Sunday school, joining church committees and bowling teams, running kiddie parades, leading Girl Scouts, becoming a charter member of the Lioness Club – is just the short list. Marilyn was so thoughtful and compassionate – always willing to give her time and whatever else was needed. Her creativity ran the gamut – she could sew, knit or hand stitch anything. She was a true artist – drawing, writing, assembling. She loved to read, to watch “Days” and “Wheel”, to make occasional trips to the casino, and to substitute teach. She was so pleased to present the “Marilyn and Phil” scholarship to a graduating student annually. She was especially proud when she and Phil were awarded the Frederic Citizens of the Year honor in 2007. All things considered, Marilyn was most at home surrounded by her family and friends, laughing and telling stories (complete with elaborate hand gestures). Marilyn leaves countless people to celebrate her amazing life. Phil, her husband of 50 years; children Linda (Ric) West, Sara (Jim) Mellinger, Jeff and Scott; grandchildren, Mckenzie, Lauren and Alex West, Katie and J.J. Mellinger, and Frankie Knuf; mother, Esther Anderson; sisters and brothers, JoAnn, Gloria, Earl (Mary), Ed (Sharon) and Carol; and sister-in-law, Charlotte. Nephews and nieces on her side as well as Phil’s will miss her laughter and smile, as will Phil’s brothers and sisters. Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Alvin; brother, Bill; nephews; brother-in-law; and sister-in-law. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 31, at 2:00 p.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic, WI, with Rev. Catherine Burnette officiating. Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic, Wisconsin, was entrusted with funeral arrangements.
