Marion Lillge

Marion Lillge, 90, of Wausau, died on Monday, January 22, 2018 at Pride Therapy and Living Campus in Weston. Marion was born May 22, 1927, in Park Falls, the daughter of the late Richard and Esther Hartig. She was a 1945 graduate of Park Falls Lincoln High School. After a few years working in Chicago, Marion moved to the Wausau area where she met her future husband at Employers Insurance. She married Jack Lillge on June 26, 1948, in Park Falls. After raising four children, Marion began working in the composing room at the Wausau Daily Herald in 1967. She moved to the newsroom in 1970, where she wrote obituaries, eventually moved into feature stories and was affectionately known as "Mom" to the many young reporters and editors who worked there. Marion had a penchant for limericks and poetry and was especially proud of a World of Poetry award of merit certificate she earned for a piece entitled "The Last Glass." Marion and Jack enjoyed 52 years of marriage, including many summers camping at Camper's Haven north of Tomahawk. Marion also enjoyed watching University of Wisconsin football and basketball games, Green Bay Packers football games, doing crossword puzzles and baking and cooking for family and friends. She spent several years doing volunteer knitting of winter garments for needy children in Marathon County. When not on the go, plenty of memories were accumulated in the 65 years on South Seventh Avenue. A vast array of clothes on the wash lines, neighborhood wiffleball games, Sunday chicken dinners in the small kitchen, cocktails and laughter with family and friends on the front porch were all staples. Marion is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Mark) Olbrantz of Schofield and Jan (Chester) Worzella of Schofield; two sons, Jay (Debra) Lillge of Kronenwetter and Tom (Sherry) Lillge of Mosinee; six grandchildren, Jody (Rick) Stummer, Melissa (Darin) Brommer, Sara (Zach) Kerwin, Brian (Laura) Worzella, Lisa (Rick) Hubert and Mackenzie (Nick) Bradfish; and seven great-grandchildren, Katie and Kelsey Stummer, Cailer Brommer, Camilla and Clayton Hubert, Graham Kerwin and Sawyer Bradfish. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Nancy; her parents; her sister, Crystal and her husband, Jack. A Memorial Mass will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 26 at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Wausau. Visitation will be at the church from 4:00 p.m. Friday until services. Brainard Funeral Home - Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.brainardfuneral.com The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin O'Connell, "Beaner", Dr. Timothy Logemann, Aspirus Hospice and Tom and his staff at Pride Therapy & Living Campus for the excellent care Marion received and neighbors Orville and Roxie, who kept a close eye on her after Dad's departure. After Glow (Helen Lowrie Marshall) I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun ... of happy memories that I leave when life is done