Marilyn J. (Bartz) Blanke

Marilyn J. Blanke, age 89 of Shawano, formerly of Clintonville passed away Monday morning February 5, 2024 at Evergreen Care Center in Shawano.

Marilyn Jean Bartz was born on June 17, 1934 in the Town of Belle Plaine, Shawano County as the daughter of the late Dewey and Florence (Pahlow) Bartz. She graduated from Shawano High School in 1952 and went on to become a Dental Assistant at Dr. O’Donnell’s office in Shawano. After a years break from work dealing with the effects of polio, she returned to the dental office. She met Raymond Blanke at a polka dance at Bear Lake and the couple were united in marriage on September 1, 1956 at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. They farmed just south of Clintonville prior to Raymond’s early passing at the age of 43. Marilyn then moved to Clintonville where she lived many years with her daughter and grandchildren. She was a faithful member at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Clintonville where she helped with Wednesday School, was a member of the Ladies Aid, and enjoyed her time on the Sewing Bee. She loved to tend to her flower gardens around the house and made her grandchildren and great-grandchildren her top priority; attending all of their ball games growing up. Marilyn loved to visit, genuinely cared about others, and had a kind heart. Her faith in her Lord was a testament she expressed on a daily basis. 

Survivors include: Her Daughter Kathy Sasse.
Grandchildren: Tracey (David) Fietsch & Mike (Nicole) Sasse.
Great-Grandchildren: Owen and Meredith Fietsch.
Brother: Howard Bartz.
Sister: Phyllis (Bud) Boldig.
Sisters-in-law: Betty and Imogene Bartz.
Also numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Raymond in 1979, brothers Bob (Madge), Carl, & Roger, sister Lois (Elmer) List, and a sister-in-law Donna Bartz.

Marilyn’s memorial service will be held Monday February 19, 2024 at 11am at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Clintonville with Rev. Jason Zobel officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9am until the time of the service. Her family would like to thank the staff at Evergreen and ThedaCare at Home Hospice for their assistance and guidance during Marilyn’s stay. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting her family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com