"Marilyn worked in my department at American Family. I loved her laugh and her sense of humor. Nothing seemed to rattle her. She spoke to me often about her family. I remember how excited she was when Taryn was born. She shared many photos. Her music was important to her as well. We had a reunion of our old team and Marilyn attended. She was obviously tired from her treatment but still had her big smile and gracious spirit. She will be missed. "
In loving memory of
Marilyn J. Raab
June 1, 1950 - February 14, 2016
Marilyn J. Raab, age 65, of Madison, died on Feb. 14, 2016, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. She battled pancreatic cancer for 17 months with grace, dignity, and remarkable strength, inspiring all who knew her.
She was born June 1, 1950 in Phillips, WI, to Henry and Gladys (Anderson) Raab, and she grew up in Kennan and Tomahawk, WI. Education was very important to her. She attended UW-Stevens Point and Madison Area Technical College, eventually returning to school to earn her bachelor's degree at the Colorado Women's College of the University of Denver. She also earned multiple insurance designations during her 36-year career at American Family Insurance, working her way up from a clerical typist to a competitive pricing intelligence analyst.
She was known by family, friends, and coworkers for her warm, genuine smile and generous heart. Spending time with family--especially her daughters and granddaughters--brought her great joy. She was proud to share her love of the arts with the next generations. Music played a particularly important role throughout her life from early piano lessons to playing in the Waunakee Community Band.
Marilyn is survived by her daughters and their families, Christa, Wayne, and Adalyn Tollefson and Laura, Todd, Taryn, and Kaia Shucha; mother, Gladys Raab; brothers, Gaylin (Linda), Merlin (Janice), and Dennis (Vicky); former husband, Dennis Gutenberger; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Henry Raab.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at the UW Carbone Cancer Center for their compassionate care, especially Dr. Dan Mulkerin, Stacy Baumeister, RN, and Nancy van Veldhuisen, NP. Special thanks also go to the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for the care and comfort they provided for our family.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at 2 p.m. at PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH in Waunakee with a visitation beginning at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreas Cancer Research Fund, UW Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave. K4/658, Madison, WI 53792.
Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI
Tributes
"Wow! I never would have imagined that God would give me such a phenomenal friend. Marilyn exemplified grace, love, hope and faith in every facet of her life. She will forever be in my heart and the hearts of my children. Marilyn and I met at The Women's College at the University of Denver. Her active commitment to education, the empowerment of women, and giving spirit was undeniable. We served on the student council together, studied together, and shared many laughs and tears as we journeyed together. I loved to hear her talk about Christa, Laura, Todd, Wayne, Taryn, Kaia, Adalyn and her mom. She loved her family deeply and took great pride in their accomplishments. Equally, she took delight in my sharing about my two boys. She taught me so much about life, including paying attention to the little things, being vested in what my boys were interested in, and so much more. I became a better parent, thanks to her leading example. She loved music, and nature, she particularly enjoyed going to the botanical gardens in Madison. She was an ambassador for Christ, and the Lutheran Church demonstrated by her courage and strength. All who knew her were inspired by her living example of grace, love and hope. She touched our lives and truly made a difference leaving the world in a better place. Marilyn dedicated her complete self to all that she accomplished, in work, education, family relationships and in friendship. We can be comforted knowing that we will see her again when God calls us home. "
"Marilyn was an amazing work mentor and friend. I will never forget the late night project work and warm conversation. Our ladies work lunches were always touched with conversation of her community band, but mostly of her daughters and grandchildren of whom she was most proud. I always appreciated her handcrafted gifts- she had many talents. I was glad for a visit with her in her final days, albeit brief. What I will always remember- in her final days, she still managed a smile for a friend. She had a true heart of gratitude and kindness. Rest in peace Marilyn. "