Marilyn Welcher peacefully died Thursday, Sept 25, at Kauhale in Otsego. She was 86.
Born on Dec. 24, 1938, in Watson Township to Clarence and Edna (Burss) Mahieu, she lived a life dedicated to her family, education and service. Marilyn graduated from Martin High School in 1957 and served Plainwell Middle School as a secretary for more than 40 years until her retirement in 2011.
She married Lloyd Welcher Lloyd Welcher on Sept. 28, 1963, and they shared a life filled with love and joy until his passing in 1987. In 2007, Marilyn found love again when she married Gerald Fenner, a partnership that lasted until his passing in 2024.
Marilyn enjoyed dancing, bowling, crocheting, and gardening. Her love for shopping was well known among friends and family alike.
She was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church, Gun River Conservation Club, Red Hat Society, and Relay for Life. Marilyn took great pride in founding and managing the Lloyd Welcher Scholarship for over 30 years.
Surviving are her children, Christine (Jon) Campbell and Jeff (Carol) Welcher; daughter-in-law, Stacy Welcher; grandchildren, Dillon (Mandie) Thomas, Devin (Jessie) Thomas, Sydney Welcher, Ryan Welcher, Tyler (Sarah) Welcher, Brandi Welcher, Julee Campbell, and Adam (Hollee) Campbell; great-grandchildren, Blaine and Brett, Baker, Carson, Brennan, Harper and Charlotte and baby Charli Mae due in December; her siblings, Gordon Mahieu and Carolyn Fales along with many nieces and nephews and step-children, Karen, Louise, Jerry and John.
Marilyn was blessed with many wonderful friendships in her lifetime. A very special group “the coffee ladies” brought her great joy with their weekly visits.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; son Mike, brother-in-law, Bob Fales, and sister-in-law, Marie Mahieu.
Friends may meet with Marilyn’s family from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. A funeral will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Otsego United Methodist Church with Pastor Dan Minor officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell.
Contributions in memory of Marilyn may be directed to Medical Team Hospice or Kauhale of Otsego.
