Marilyn J. Wigdahl

Marilyn Wigdahl, a lifelong La Crosse resident, graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1949. She obtained her Degree of Bachelor of Arts from Winona State University in 1989. She was employed by UW-L for 30 years until her retirement in 1995. Her civic and community work resulted in numerous leadership positions. She was appointed to the WI Retirement Board in 1984 and was elected board chair in 1987. She was appointed to the WI Employee Trust Board in 1987 and elected board chair in 1991. She continued as chair of these boards until her retirement in 2010. She served the on the La Crosse Common Council for 12 years, AFSCME Local 1449, La Crosse AFL-CIO Council, La Crosse Union Herald, Charter Member of the La Crosse Police Reserve, YMCA Woman of the Year (Labor), United Way Board, Crime Stoppers, La Crosse Area Labor/Management Council, United Coulee Region and Coulee Collaboration Council, WI Division of Corrections Advisory Council for Female Offenders, UW-L Kitty Club, UWL Campus Women, La Crosse Room Tax Commission and obtained her Ordination in 2009. She and her significant other (Red) were official chaperones of the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity for many years where she coined her nickname “Ma Wigs”. Her hobbies included bowling, camping, knitting, crocheting, talking on the CB radio, stained glass work, raising standard poodles (never without at least one dog), gardening, watching the Brewers, Badgers, Packers, and the Bucks. Card playing was her favorite pastime and she always played to win. She was well known for her chili stew, pickles, pies, and pastries but never followed a recipe. She, with her amazing sense of humor, will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Preceded in death by her mother, (Bernice Reetz Koblitz), father, (Lester Koblitz), sisters, Joan Banks and Phyllis Koblitz, ex-husband, Eugene Wigdahl, significant other, Robert Duresky, and son- in-law, Martin Beil.

She is survived by son, Jeff Wigdahl (Cindy), daughters, Susan Beil and Nancy (Pete Sedbrook), grandchildren, Adam (Marie) Wigdahl, Natalie Beil(Derrick Childs), Nick Beil (Stefanie Busch), Courtney (Randall Perry), Audra Beil (Ken Johnson), Eric (Emily) Wigdahl, Lauren (Connor) Hutchinson, Malory Sedbrook (Nate Wiste), four great grandchildren, Trinity, Jack, Waylon, Jolene, and her sweet dog, Simon.

Memorials in Marilyn’s memory can be made to Gundersen Medical Foundation - Hematology or Nephrology Departments. She was grateful for the excellent care provided over many years.

A Celebration of Marilyn's Life will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Moose Lodge #1920, 1932 Ward Ave., La Crosse, WI 54601.