MADISON - Marilyn Dixie Lee Lister, age 88, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. She passed away in her apartment at Oak Park Place, in the company of her family. She was born on March 18, 1934, to George and Mabel (Peterson) Dean in Milwaukee. Marilyn graduated from North Division High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Milwaukee State Teachers College) in 1956.

She met Warren Lister at the roller-skating rink when she was 17. They were married Oct. 6, 1956, at The Church of the Nazarene, Milwaukee. They celebrated 66 years together!

Marilyn worked in the Milwaukee Public Schools for 32 years, teaching elementary students at Craig, Browning, Douglas Road, and Clarke Street schools. At Craig School, her younger brother, Jeff, was one of her second-grade students. She was especially proud of her work at Clarke Street, in Milwaukee’s inner city, where she taught small groups of students the basic skills needed to succeed in school. She loved being a teacher!

Marilyn was a strong Christian and faithful churchgoer. She was a leader in the First Church of God, serving as president of the church council. She enjoyed singing in the choir and had a beautiful alto voice. Her favorite pastime was playing the piano and singing hymns, with her family gathered around the piano to sing along. The most important piece of furniture in her home was her piano. She especially liked Southern gospel music, notably the music of Bill and Gloria Gaither. She kept a song in her heart until her dying day.

In the 1960’s Warren built their Pine Lake cottage in central Wisconsin where she enjoyed 50 good summers. There she taught her daughters and many others to marvel at the beauty of God’s creation - the stars, clouds, plants, rocks, animals - and hosted many special gatherings for family and friends.

When she retired from teaching in 1990, she and Warren moved to Pewaukee. She continued to be active in her church and community. She played Mrs. Santa at the Pewaukee Library, worked at the local polling place on election days, and organized a church ministry collecting baby clothes and supplies for new mothers.

Marilyn liked to travel. She and Warren took many cruises and treated each of their four grandchildren to a special eighth grade graduation trip. She and her sister, Patty, went to Sweden to see the land of their ancestors. Marilyn found special joy celebrating her Swedish heritage with her relatives at biennial Peterson Family Reunions. In 2015, she and Warren moved to Madison to be closer to their beloved daughters.

Marilyn truly lived her faith. She was kind, compassionate, forgiving, patient, determined, and hard-working. She rarely said an unkind word. She gave generously to many worthy causes. Memorial gifts may be given to Door Creek Church, Agrace Hospicecare, Evangelical Child and Family Agency or a charity of your choice.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Warren; daughters, Marilaine (Michael Patrick) Blair-Patrick and Rebecca (David) Brynelson; grandchildren, Kelsey (Carlos) Henriquez, Kristin (Keaton) Loose, Kevin Blair and Jonathan (Dayah) Brynelson; and great-grandchildren, Parker Loose and Nolan Henriquez. Marilyn is also survived by other friends and family. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Patricia Toman; and brother, Jeffrey Dean.

A funeral service will be held at DOOR CREEK CHURCH, 6602 Dominion Drive, Madison at 12 noon on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Lunch will be served at the church following the funeral service. The family wishes to thank the staff of Oak Park Place, and Agrace Hospicecare for their care and support.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Marilyn Lister

March 18, 1934 - February 01, 2023

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