Marilyn Jean Meissner

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Wife, Mother, and Grandma. Marilyn passed on October 15, 2026 after a nearly two year battle with dementia.

Marilyn was born in Frederic, Wisconsin to Carl and Helen Olsen. She was raised on “The Farm” in Milltown, Wisconsin, and “The Farm” always had a firm place in her heart. She graduated from Unity High School in 1960. In that same year she met Dick Meissner. In 1961, they were married, and would spend the next 65 years by each other’s side. During their marriage they welcomed four children Tim, Tom, Kim, and Mark. Children held a special place in her heart, and she was thrilled when the grandchildren began to arrive. She loved her grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Lauren, and Emily “To the moon and back”!Marilyn’s commitment to family was ever present. Celebrating holidays, birthdays, or just getting together always brought her an immense feeling of joy. She loved a good meal and sharing laughs with anyone. She had an uncanning wit and was very willing to provide feedback, share a comment, or even a playful jab. She loved singing along with her Barbara Streisand collection, especially when she was alone and could crank the volume. She was also an avid cheerleader when her kids and grandkids played sports. It was very common to see her at the diamond watching baseball or softball, or sitting in a cold arena watching hockey.

Marilyn had a very strong work ethic, which showed in her rise throughout the grocery business. She began as a cashier in the early years, and worked her way up to managing payroll for the store. She was very proud of the 39 years she worked in the grocery business, and she was especially fond of the many relationships she built with employees and vendors.

The family would like to thank the staff at Suite Living who cared for “Ms Marilyn” for taking care of her over the last 11 months.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her son Tim, her parents Carl and Helen Olsen, her brothers Mike, Scott, and Jim, and her sister Joyce Byl. She is survived by her husband Dick, sons Tom(Shari) and Mark, daughter Kim(Vinny) Laviano, and grandchildren Michael Meissner, Matthew Meissner, Lauren Laviano, and Emily Laviano. Special cousin Sandra (Lynn) Clasen, and many additional family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.