Marilyn M. Kothe

Marilyn Mae (Weseloh) Kothe, 86, was called to her heavenly home on Thursday, May 9, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Edward and Lydia (Schauer) Weseloh on December 28, 1932, at home on the farm in Fair Haven, MN. Marilyn graduated from Kimball High School in 1950, the same year she met Ted Kothe, the new pastor’s son, who was sleeping through his father’s sermon. She married that pastor’s son on July 21, 1956. Marilyn and Ted were married 52 years before Ted died of pancreatic cancer in 2009. Together they adopted and raised three children. Marilyn was very thankful for her family. They enjoyed traveling to visit family around the country, playing cards with friends and caring for their precious grandchildren.

Marilyn earned her Associate in Education degree from St. Cloud State Teachers’ College in 1954 and her Bachelor of Science degree from Winona State College in 1962. In between, she taught kindergarten because of the shortage of teachers during the Baby Boom.

Marilyn and Ted moved to Tyler, MN where Ted taught. They made lifelong friends there. They left Tyler for La Crosse, WI when Ted was hired by Luther High School in Onalaska. In 1963, they bought the home that Marilyn lived in until two weeks prior to her passing. Marilyn managed home and family and supported Ted throughout his career. Together they also ran the Triangle Cafe for a few years in downtown La Crosse, where many locals enjoyed coffee and conversation.

Marilyn was an avid reader, history lover and storyteller. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren (all city kids) enjoyed her stories of growing up on the farm. Those experiences fed her lifelong passions of gardening, cooking, canning and quilting.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband Ted, her parents and sisters Marlys, Laneve, DeEtte and Mae, as well as other beloved family members and friends. She is survived by: her sister Sharan (Bud Brown); her three children: Beth Kothe (Dale Bjorkman), Peter Kothe and Amy Kothe; seven grandchildren: Lindsay (Lou Ferguson), Taylor Killilea, Aubrey Howerton, Alex Schuenke, Elise Schuenke, Kate (Stephen Marrou) and Chris (Ryan Courtney); seven great-grandchildren; and many other family members, neighbors and friends (including her bridge club, Wednesday Bible study ladies, and book club). Each one of you was special to Marilyn. She is also survived by her faithful feline companions, Smokey and Sweetie. The family wishes to thank the hospice team at Mayo Clinic, the staff at the Onalaska Care Center, Pastors Bader and Olson, and the many friends and family who offered support during her brief illness.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 17, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1201 Main Street, Onalaska, WI. Pastor William Bader and Pastor Dan Olson will officiate. Burial will follow in Onalaska City Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 11:00 AM until the time of service on Friday at the church. In honor of Marilyn’s love of flowers and colors, the family encourages you to wear bright colors in celebration of her life. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Luther Church and School or Luther High School.

Came Jesus and stood in the midst and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. Then said Jesus to them, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. John 20:19b, 21 (KJV)