MONONA - Marlys E. Hegge, age 90, of Monona, WI passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, after a brief stay in SSM Hospice. She was born near Monticello, WI on May 28, 1935, the daughter of Herman and Emma (Grossen) Ritschard. She was the sixth of eight children and was raised on the family’s dairy farm.

In 1953, Marlys graduated from Monroe High School and went on to work as a clerk at the Monroe Bank, later continuing her career with First Wisconsin Bank in Madison. In Madison she met the love of her life, John Hegge and they were united in marriage on February 8, 1958, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral.

Marlys devoted many years to running an in-home daycare, where she became a beloved sitter to countless children. Her home was always filled with laughter and activity. She developed lifetime friendships with the families she cared for. She retired in 2018.

Marlys and John traveled throughout the United States, creating many cherished memories along the way. Marlys enjoyed hobbies such as embroidery, gardening, and birdwatching. She also took great pride in her impressive collection of ceramic salt and pepper shakers. She was an avid sports fan who faithfully followed the Badgers, Packers and Brewers. She often mentioned her first trip as a child to Wrigley Field to watch her favorite baseball team, the Cubs. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, St. Ann’s Altar Society, the Elks Club and a women’s golf league.

Known for her sweet, friendly, and down-to-earth nature, Marlys had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. She was a wonderful grandmother who made birthdays and holidays especially meaningful. She never forgot a special date and always took time to call on their birthdays. She truly enjoyed being around people and was a constant presence at her children’s and grandchildren’s events throughout her life. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Marlys is survived by her daughter, Mary (Hans Verick) Hegge; sons, Michael (Julia) and Joseph Hegge; four grandchildren, William (Cynthia) Chadwick, Emily (Carl Robert Jr. “C.J.”) Matthews-Barr, Jane (Matthew) Lorfeld and Jack Hegge; five great-grandchildren, Owen, Theo, Mia, Xavier and Maeve; and brothers, Raland and Mike (Sandy) Ritschard. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents, Herman and Emma; brothers, Donald (Evelyn), Delbert (Darlene), Norman (Betty) and Royal (Sunbun) Ritschard; sister, Darlyne (Elton) Segner; and sister-in-law, Leona (Raland) Ritschard.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5306 Main St., McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, with Father Mark Foley presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. A luncheon will take place at the church after the burial. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Marlys's name to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School - Memorial School Donation Fund (pushpay.com/g/stellamarisparish) or mail to 4913 Schofield St., Monona, WI 53716. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Marlys E. Hegge

May 28, 1935 - April 07, 2026

Share photos of Marlys