On Sunday, July 25, 2021, Marlyn S. Wann, beloved mother of two, died at the age of 80 at Stone Crest Residence, in the care of Interim HealthCare Hospice in Wausau, Wisconsin. Marlyn was born in Berwyn, Illinois in September of 1940, and during childhood, her family relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana. She graduated from Broad Ripple High School and attended Indiana University in Bloomington. Marlyn was married to Stephen A. Wann, Sr. Though they eventually divorced, they remained friends. Later in life, she was grateful to finally meet her two half-brothers and their families.
Early in her work life, Marlyn worked at Western Electric and Flower City in Indianapolis. She later settled into the field of secretarial and office administration in health care settings, including Winona Memorial Hospital and TriCounty Mental Health in Indianapolis. She completed her career working for herself doing psychiatric medical transcription.
Marlyn was a talented pianist and sang in various choirs. She was fond of crafting, especially gifted in crochet and flower arranging. Marlyn was a lover of animals, enjoying a special bond with beloved dogs, horses, and cats. Other hobbies included crossword puzzles and watching football (Colts and Packers).
Throughout her life, Marlyn was determined and resilient and, as a single mother, she was a fierce advocate for her children. She resolutely faced any challenges in her path. Over the years, she was described as having nine lives, having survived multiple, potentially lethal health crises, including lung cancer and a ruptured brain aneurysm. More recently her caregivers loved her strong spirit and sassiness.
Marlyn was preceded in death by her parents William P. and Evelyn (Struhrenberg) Stark, her ex-husband Stephen, and her beloved pets Buttons, Brandy, Trinity and Zoey.
Marlyn is survived by her two children Stephen A. (Lori) Wann, Jr., Indiana, and the Rev. Rachel A. Wann, Wausau, her grandsons Stephen A. Wann III, Levi (Taylor) Wann, and Joe Abbott, and her half-brothers John (Janet) Best and James (Debbie) Best, and numerous nieces.
The family is planning to have a memorial service at a later date. The family wishes to thank the staff at Stone Crest and Interim Hospice for their attentive and gentle care of Marlyn, with a special thank you to Stanley, the therapy cat.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
Memorials in Marlyn’s name may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Wausau, WI or the Marathon County (WI) Humane Society.
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