Marilyn (Retzer) Johannsen

Marilyn Johannsen

(nee Retzer) Born to Eternal Life on December 17, 2018 at the age of 84 years.

Marilyn was the dear mother of Karen (Gary Talsky), the sister of Kenneth (Marie) Retzer, the sister-in-law of Mary Retzer and Eileen Johannsen, and the godmother of Annmarie Retzer. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her dear husband Walter Johannsen, her daughter Kristin (Kevin Millham), her parents Walter and Emma Retzer, and her brother Robert Retzer.

After graduating from Mercy High School, Marilyn attended Marquette University for serval years, later completing a BA degree at Mount Mary College and an MA degree from UWM in Urban Affairs. She was a consumer protection investigator for the State of Wisconsin for over 10 years. Upon retirement she operated her own Custom Woven Fabric business, exhibiting at art shows throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

She was a founding member and newsletter editor of the Sherman Park Community Association in the early 1970's. She also enjoyed numerous and varied hobbies: gardening, birds, cats, folk dancing, knitting and weaving, world travel, volunteering at the Humane Society, and knitting caps for the homeless.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018, from 9:30am until the time of the Memorial Mass at 10:30am, all at ST. ANNE'S SALVATORIAN CAMPUS CHAPEL, 3800 North 92nd Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53222. Fr. Arturo C. Ysmael will be the celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Sherman Park Community Association, 3526 West Fond du Lac Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53216 (414-444-9803 - www.shermanpark.org), to Hunger Task Force, 201 South Hawley Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53214 (414-777-0483 - www.Hungertaskforce.org), or St. Anne's Salvatorian Campus would be deeply appreciated.

The family extends a special thanks to the staff at St. Anne's Salvatorian Campus for their kind and compassionate care. 

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