Marilyn Katje died Tuesday, Oct. 19, at Allegan General Hospital. She was 81.

She was born Feb. 15, 1940, in Orangeville, the daughter of Forrest and Francis (Allen) Rantz. She worked for Kal-Equip for 25 years, Haworth and National Water Lift until her retirement.

Marilyn enjoyed crafting, gardening, crocheting and was a skilled seamstress. She was a member of Martin Reformed Church and was a lifelong member of Calvary Church in Plainwell.

On May 8, 1965, she married Fred Katje who died in 2015.

Surviving are her children, Kim Kanet, Jeff Martin, Dawn Katje and Kate Katje; grandchildren, Brooke (Matt) Bakhuyzen, Colleen Broadhurst, Chad (Samantha) Martin and A.J. Foote; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Karen Keckler along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Theron; great-grandson, Levi; daughter-in-law, Sue Martin; sister, Sandra and brother, George.

Friends may visit with Marilyn’s family from 10 a.m. until noon Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, where a funeral will be held for immediate family and close friends, led by the family. Burial will follow at East Martin Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Marilyn may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.