Obituary for Marilyn A. Wuttke

Marilyn Ann Wuttke, 87, of Holmen, WI passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026. She was born on May 18, 1938, in La Crosse, WI to Jacob and Irene Sauer. Marilyn was a graduate of La Crosse Central High School, class of 1956. After graduation she attended Wisconsin State College, La Crosse, WI where she received her Bachelor’s in Education.

Marilyn met and married James Wuttke on April 23, 1960, in La Crosse, WI. They recently celebrated 65 years together. They raised two children, Deb and Dan, who were born exactly one year apart.

Anyone who worked with Marilyn knew how dedicated and hard-working she was. She was known for her strong work ethic and impeccable organizational skills. Beginning at a young age, Marilyn started working at Lakeview Foods helping her sister, Helen, and brother-in-law, Bob Anderson. She then worked at Garvalia’s China Shop. After receiving her degree in education Marilyn taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Vernon County. She briefly worked at Cresent Printing before continuing on to the next chapter with the La Crosse School District. She started as a Teacher Assistant and dedicated most of her professional life as an Elementary School Secretary.

Marilyn was proud of the lifelong friendships she formed while establishing the union for teacher assistants. She generously gave her time and talent serving on the board at her church First Lutheran in Onalaska, as well as Firefighters Credit Union. She was also a Girl Scout troop leader. She dedicated many years to the Cavalets Baton and Drum Corps, proudly supporting her children throughout their involvement. She rarely missed the opportunity to chaperone the bus trips and was lovingly referred to as “Mom” by many.

In retirement, Marilyn enjoyed traveling the world with her husband, James, especially on cruises that took them to many memorable destinations. She also spent many years creating crafts and attending craft shows, where her creativity and talent were always on display. She was especially known for her beautiful handmade cards and never missed an occasion to send a thoughtful card to her loved ones, always making others feel remembered and cherished.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Irene; sisters, Helen and Edna; her brothers-in-law, Bob and Howard “Mitch;” and her grandson, Andrew. She is survived by her loving husband, James; her children, Deb Soper and Dan (Lisa) Wuttke; her five grandchildren, Seger (Tina) Soper, Brittany Soper, Lindsey (Matthew) Banasik, Aaron Wuttke, and Anna (James Lindner) Wuttke-Lindner; and five great-grandchildren, Kayden, Zane, Kaia, Brynn, and Vivian.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, 4239 Mormon Coulee Rd., La Crosse. Burial will follow in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery, La Crosse. A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m., until the time of service, Monday, at the funeral home. Following the burial, a luncheon will be held at Castaway’s on the Island, 131 Clinton Street, La Crosse, WI.

Online condolences may be offered to Marilyn's family at this site.