January 18, 2026 at the age of 90. Loving mother of Stephanie (John) Mullervy. Cherished grandmother of Colin and Declan. Dear sister of Rita Kuchenbecker and sister-in-law of Rosaclara Gable and Karen Haug, and survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 55 years, Ernest; her parents, Michael and Mary (Koestner) Zirngibl; and eight siblings and their spouses: Elmer (Trudie), Ray (Carol), Leo (Aggie), and Henry Zirngibl, Don Gable, Irene (Matt) Metz, Anna (Melvin) Schumacher, Evie (Albert) Kapfhamer, and brothers-in-law Bill Kuchenbecker and Warren Haug.

Born the youngest of ten children, Marilyn left the family farm in Medford, Wisconsin to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education with minors in sociology and English at Alverno College in Milwaukee, followed by completion of her graduate coursework at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University. Marilyn made the Milwaukee area her home for 65 years, 40 of which were spent as an educator in the Milwaukee Public Schools. She taught at South 55th Street School and Audubon Middle School, finishing her career as a reading and mathematics specialist at U.S. Grant Elementary School. She spent her final years with her daughter and son-in-law in the Boston area, delighting in her grandchildren and sharing her generous spirit with those in her assisted living residence.

Marilyn’s passions were reading, travel, art, music, and theater. She sang and performed throughout high school and college. She found a kindred spirit in her loyal husband, Ernie. She was deeply devoted to her faith and her family. Marilyn was kind, courageous, adventurous, funny, and had perfect penmanship.