Marilyn Edith Strassman

MADISON - Marilyn Edith Strassman (Hirsch), age 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, after a brief illness. She was born to Leo James and Theresa M. (Brost) Hirsch on April 30, 1925, at the family farm located in Medford. She graduated from Medford High School in 1943 and St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Madison,in 1947. She also trained as a Cadet Nurse in the United States Army. Marilyn did private duty nursing for several years before intensive care units were common. She also worked in the Rehabilitation Unit at University Hospital for many years and completed her nursing career at Central Wisconsin Center in Madison. Marilyn met the love of her life, Raymond Strassman, while he was a patient at St. Mary’s Hospital. They were married on June 21, 1948, and settled in Madison, where they raised four daughters. She is survived by her children, Susan Burns (Larry), Janet Wood (Levi), Jane Zemlicka (Jim), Linda Raymer (Harold); and grandchildren, Audra Burns, Amy Carter (Wade) and their children, Isaac and Rose, Shelly Burns, David Zemlicka, Jennifer Zemlicka (Chris Canty), Brianna Raymer and Nicholas Raymer. She is further survived by her brothers and sisters, Jim Hirsch, Mark Hirsch, Eileen Handel, Marguerite Klingbeil and Patrick Hirsch. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray, in 2003. She was also preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Jackie and Peter. Marilyn and Ray loved to dance and they “cut a rug” on many occasions at Madison and Milwaukee hot spots. She also loved to hear Ray sing their favorite song, “Our Happiness” while playing his guitar. They enjoyed vacationing together and particularly enjoyed their trips down south to visit relatives and friends. They also enjoyed their trips to Hawaii, Europe, Lake Tahoe and the Canadian Rockies. Marilyn and Ray were also beekeepers for 24 years. Along with helping Ray process and bottle honey, she made cosmetics and ornaments from the beeswax. Marilyn also enjoyed canning and freezing the bounty of fruits and vegetables raised in the family garden. She was an excellent seamstress and made several wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses for her daughters’ weddings. Funeral services will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013, with Father Randy Timmerman officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be made to St. Dennis Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.