Marilyn Genice Kruse (LaMarche), 94, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin went home to be with Jesus on July 10, 2025 surrounded by loving family.

Marilyn was born on June 10, 1931 in Stanley, Wisconsin, daughter of William and Edna LaMarche (Honstad).

Marilyn graduated from Mauston High School in 1949, in the class known as "the 49ers." In later years she completed business classes at the University of Illinois and continued to be a life-long learner.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Karyn (Lyle) Quandt, grandchildren, Brian Quandt, Denise Quandt, Erin (James) Quandt-Knapinski and Adam Quandt. And son, Kevin (Lois) Kruse, grandchildren, Trisha (Darik) Luton, Nicole Maerz and Taylor Kruse. Granddaughter Jessica Deason. And 10 great-grandchildren. Marilyn was preceded in death by her sister, Amy LaMarche, brother, Robert (Posie) LaMarche, daughter, Kelly Kruse, and sister, Annette (William) Kritselis.

Marilyn spent the majority of her professional life proudly working at the University of Illinois across a multitude of departments, including Ceramic Engineering, Computer Science and the University President's Office. She concluded her professional career in the French Department in 1993.

Marilyn held a strong passion for playing music, beginning with cornet in junior high school. With much practice, she became an outstanding trumpet player, with her sights set on becoming a high school band director. She also enjoyed spending time in her gardens, planting flowers and watching and caring for the surrounding wildlife. Her greatest pride in life was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marilyn's perseverance, compassion, curiosity, resiliency and sass was second to none. She will be remembered for instilling a notion of "where there's a will, there's a way" throughout her entire family.

A Celebration of Life for Marilyn will be held at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 123 West Hamilton Avenue in Eau Claire, Wis. on August 22, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with service at 11 a.m..

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Marilyn's memory made to: The Eau Claire Community Humane Association, 3900 Town Hall Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 and/or The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), 2700 Horizon Drive, Ste. 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406.