Marilyn M. Charles, 78, of Sheboygan died unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, June 6, 2015.
Marilyn was born on April 28, 1937 in Oostburg, the daughter of the late Jacob and Esther (TerMaat) Caljouw. She graduated from Oostburg High School in 1955 and then continued her education at Sheboygan County Normal School, Sheboygan County Teachers College and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Marilyn married Gene F. Charles on June 4, 1960 in Oostburg.
Marilyn lived in various places following her marriage including Steven Point and in Wausau from 1970-85. While in Wausau she worked as a teacher and at the Marathon County Human Services. She returned to Sheboygan County where she taught school for the Sheboygan Area School District and later worked for the Sheboygan County Health and Human Services until her retirement in 2002. Following her retirement she was a substitute teacher up until the time of her death.
Marilyn was an active member of the Unity Church of Sheboygan for over 25 years. She was an important member of the Board of Trustees, numerous committees, and groups. She was always willing to help whenever needed.
She was also a member of the Red Hat Society, Sheboygan Book Club, and was a volunteer for the Sheboygan County Historical Society, Sheboygan County Museum, Old Wade House, Sheboygan Theatre Company and the Stefanie H. Weill Center. She enjoyed reading, sewing, cooking, baking, gardening, flowers, decorating and travel. She collected Blue Willow and Dutch Delft figurines.
Marilyn is survived by her husband of 55 years, Gene of Sheboygan; one daughter, Carrie (Terry) Clark of Chambersburg, PA; one son, Cory Charles of Sheboygan; three sisters, Beatrice Wilterdink of Oostburg, Carolyn VerStraate and Judy (Russ) Lilyquist, both of Sheboygan; one brother, EJ Caljouw of Oostburg, and nine nieces and nephews. Marilyn was a wonderful, wife, mother, sister, and friend. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, Marvin; a sister-in-law, Betty Caljouw; and two brothers-in-law, Gordon Wilterdink and Burt VerStraate.
A memorial service to celebrate Marilyn’s life will be held at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg at Noon on Friday, June 12, 2015 with the Rev. Pat Brown and Rev. Sherryl Andrus officiating.
Family and friends may gather at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Friday from 10 am until the time of the service.
For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com
A memorial fund is being established in her memory for The Stefanie H. Weill Center and the Sheboygan County Historical Society.
The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving the Charles family.

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