MADISON - Marilyn E. Mergen, age 85, of Madison, died on July 23, 2026, at a local assisted living home.

Marilyn was born on December 24, 1940, in Madison, WI. She was a lifelong eastside resident of Madison. She graduated from Madison East high school and was a member of St. Bernards Catholic Church.

Marilyn had a long career as a manager of Human Resources at Research Products of Madison. She started there at age 19 as a switchboard operator, retiring in the late 1990s. After living in her childhood home on Commercial Avenue for many years, she resided in a condominium on Sherman Avenue since 1986. In the past year, Marilyn enjoyed living as a member of Eden Vista living community.

Over the years she enjoyed traveling in Europe and around the U.S. She loved to read and most of all being with her many friends. She had lunch often with her "East High girls" and will truly be missed by her close friends, Connie, Randy, Rita, Nancy and Charlie. She was an avid follower of the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. She traveled to see the Badgers play at the Rosebowl a few times and would get to their games at home also.

Marilyn is survived by her nieces and nephew, Mary Jo (Fred) Muenkel, Pam McMillan (Jon Brickner), Mike Campbell, Aleta Campbell and Jean (Jim) Lawler; along with many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. Marilyn loved her many interactions with her family and during her later years, considered herself the Matriarch of us all. Marilyn's presence and her fun personality will be missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alois and Marian (Wolff) Mergen; sisters, Shirley (Wally) Campbell and Elizabeth (Donald “Mac”) McMillan; niece, Christie Wolfe and nephews, Ralph Campbell and Donald “Donny” McMillan.

We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Eden Vista for always showing our Aunt respect and love this past year. She felt safe and cared for by you all. We would also say a great thank you to Moments Hospice of Madison. You made her last weeks easier on her and the family.

A celebration of Marilyn's life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Marilyn Mergen

December 24, 1940 - July 23, 2026

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