Marilyn Lance Stauter

SUN PRAIRIE - Marilyn Lance Stauter, age 80, moved to heaven on Aug. 17, 2024, at her home, surrounded by family. She was born on Sept. 2, 1943, in Los Angeles, Calif., to the late F.E. Gene and Mary Elizabeth (Gaar) Lance, while her father was serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. She joined her sister, Marcia, age 1, and they were raised like twins until younger sister, Margo joined the family 10 years later. Because her father worked for a specialty advertising company and established an office in a new city each year, Marilyn was a “newbie” at school from K-8th grades. The family put down roots when they moved to Lake Kegonsa in McFarland, Wis., in 1957. During her four years at Stoughton High School, Marilyn played cornet in the marching band. She also enjoyed organizing many of the Class of 1961 reunions over the years.  

Marilyn attended UW-Madison for two years, then married Joel Oman in 1963. They settled in Rockford, Ill., where they eventually built a unique geodesic dome house together. Though the couple divorced in 1984, they had three children including an infant daughter, Jana, who died at nine days old. Marilyn then relocated to Milwaukee, Wis., where she was a stockbroker with Smith Barney and was at her trading desk on Oct. 19, 1987 (Bloody Monday), when the S&P Index dropped 20% in one day! She enjoyed her views of the lake and the 4th of July fireworks from her rooftop during her time there.

She married Roger Stauter on Nov. 10, 1990, gaining two stepdaughters and settling in Madison, Wis. Roger’s love and devotion to Marilyn were everything to her and she is eternally grateful for his love. The couple became founding members of Door Creek Church where they continued to worship and serve together. Marilyn’s Christian faith was an essential part of her life, and she interviewed new members at Door Creek where she joyfully shared her love for Jesus and her testimony, leading many of them to Jesus. She was a faithful woman who loved her church, loved the Lord and loved attending her sister Margo’s bible studies and retreats. She especially loved when Roger played the piano for her. She lit up every room she walked in with a bright light and her beautiful smile. Marilyn will be missed by the lives she touched.

Marilyn became a realtor in 1982 and ultimately joined Roger at Stark Company Realtors in 1992, where they worked side by side and were among the top producing agents in the Madison marketplace, winning numerous awards. Marilyn was patiently adept at “finding just the right home” for many home seekers. She was a leading member of the Republican Women of Dane County, serving three different terms as President over a span of 12 years. During that time, she was a friend and supporter of both Gov. Tommy Thompson and Gov. Scott Walker. She was honored to receive The Wisconsin Federation of Republican Women’s highest award, “Grand Lady of the Republican Party.”  

Marilyn loved living on the lake and taking rides on their pontoon boat. She was an avid Brewers and Badgers fan. Marilyn enjoyed reading and traveling, visiting England, France, Russia, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. She loved her dog, Lucy, never met a stranger and her family was her greatest pride and joy. In her final days she was grateful for the care of her Visiting Angels caregivers, Agrace HospiceCare and her loving family. She was content to wait for God to call her home.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Roger Stauter; four children, Timothy Lance (Donna) Oman of Woodstock, Ill., Emily (Shane) Lyons of Tuscaloosa, Ala., Jennifer (Matt) Kornstedt of Madison and Laura Stauter of Madison; seven grandchildren, Cameron and Brooke Lyons, Tyler and Trevor Oman, Caden and Carson Kornstedt and Vanessa Collins; great-granddaughter, Leah Oman; sister, Margo (Brian) Fieseler of Oconomowoc, Wis.; niece, Becca (James) Hansen and great-nephew, Barrett; niece, Tori Fieseler and great-nephew, Blain; niece, Cari Graves; nephew, Mike (Jennifer) Graves and Jackson, Hunter, Logan, Emma, Sawyer and Wyatt Graves; and brother-in-law, Dave Graves, who was an excellent caregiver and support to her in her final days.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Marcia (David) Graves; and infant daughter, Jana Carlene Oman.

A funeral service will be held at DOOR CREEK CHURCH, 6602 Dominion Drive, Madison, corner of Sprecher Road and Dominion Drive, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, with the Rev. Marc Maillefer presiding. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

Memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers and Door Creek Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420