Marian Wurtz

It is with great sadness we say goodbye to our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. On Sunday, June 10, 2018 Marian Mae Wurtz passed away surrounded by family.

Marian was born in Waupun, WI on July 3, 1927, the daughter of Lauren Reddell and Ruth (Webster) Reddell. Marian graduated in 1945 from Waupun High School, where she met the 'love of her life,' Lawrence Wurtz. Education was important to Marian and after graduating from high school, she attended Business College in Madison, WI. She returned to Waupun upon completing her degree and reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Lawrence. They were united in marriage on March 6, 1948 and continued their love and devotion to each other for 70 years until Lawrence's passing in December 2017.

After their marriage, the couple moved to Mayville, WI where Lawrence began working as a Paint Department foreman for Mayville Metal Products Company and Marian began her professional career at Purity Cheese Company as an executive secretary. She continued in this position until the birth of their first child. Her family grew quickly in the following years and she devoted her time and energy to creating a loving environment for Lawrence and her six children. Marian also volunteered at the St. Paul Lutheran Church and assisted in many local community events.

Marian enjoyed the challenge of crossword puzzles and was an avid reader, especially newspapers and non-fiction. She encouraged her children to stay on top of current events and question the world around them. She taught her children to be passionate about what they do and always put others first. Marian and Lawrence were active in her children's lives and encouraged them in all their endeavors. Their support included attending many athletic, musical and theatrical events.

Besides reading, she also loved antiquing and genealogy. The couple eventually moved to Fond du Lac and purchased the historic Martin House where they enjoyed displaying many of their antique treasures. She was passionate about historic preservation and became a member of the Fond du Lac Heritage Club.

Marian cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always made a point to make each one of them feel special. She was ready to take them to the park, play a competitive game of cards, attend the local county fair or treat the kids to a trip to the movie theatre. Grandpa and Grandma made it a priority to attend many of their grandchildren's school activities, especially the basketball games.

Marian is survived by her children, Mark (Cheryl) Wurtz of Sheboygan, WI, Cyndi (Peter) West of Ripon, WI, Ludwig (Jane) Wurtz of Ripon, WI, Lance (Janice) Wurtz of Oshkosh, WI, Lucky (Judy) Wurtz of Fond du Lac, WI; forty-five grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Eugene (Alyce) Wurtz and Lloyd Muzack; a sister-in-law, Kate Eineichner of Pewaukee, WI; and several cousins; nieces; and nephews. Marian is preceded in death by her parents, Lauren and Ruth (Webster) Reddell; her husband, Lawrence; her beloved daughter, Melinda 'Mindy' Wilkes; and her brother, Zane Reddell.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Maplecrest Assisted Care and Ripon Medical Center for the care that they provided to Marian.

A private family memorial service will be held on Friday, June 22, 2018 to celebrate Marian's life.



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