Marilyn Vandekieft

Marilyn Esther Vandekieft

July 22, 1939 - October 30, 2024

Marilyn Esther Vandekieft (nee Ciesemier) went home to be with Jesus after passing away

suddenly on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at the age of 85. She was one day away from a

knee replacement and looking forward to walking around Fowler Lake again in Oconomowoc.

She is survived by daughter, Carrie (Curt) Downes and son, David (Kristine) Vandekieft along

with granddaughters Megan (Walker) Smith, Emma Vandekieft and Sarah Downes. Preceding

her in death was her daughter Christine Vandekieft Tipton who died in 2008.

Marilyn will be remembered as the consummate server. As a young adult, Marilyn served as an

administrative assistant at one of Milwaukee’s local TV stations, all-the-while she gave the gift of

music, singing for the Florentine Opera Company and the Skylight Opera Theatre. She served

her family by raising three children, never missing a concert, play or game. She served her

community by feeding those who couldn’t feed themselves and being an activist for change.

She served her Savior, Jesus Christ, and applied His loving ways in all she did and with whom

she met.

Later in life, Marilyn figured it was time to serve herself by becoming one of the healthiest senior

citizens on the planet. She usually had a natural remedy for just about anything and her healthy

living allowed her to be free of any medications up until the end of her life. Marilyn could often

be seen on her daily hour-plus walks around town. . .petting as many dogs as she could along

the way! She loved to capture Nature during her walks and published her works which she sold

at local craft fairs. She still served her grandchildren by attending as many of their events as she

could. One would only have to take a glance around her home to see how proud she was to be

a grandma.

She touched so many lives along the way. She will be missed!

A visitation will take place at Pagenkopf Funeral Home, 2228 Silver Maple Lane in

Oconomowoc on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 10 - 12PM, with a service at 12PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Zachariah’s Acres in Oconomowoc (mailing

address: 16575 Patricia Lane, Brookfield, WI 53005) https://www.zachariahsacres.org/donate

or Retzer Nature Center, S14 W28167 Madison St., Waukesha, WI 53188

https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/landandparks/park-system/donate