Obit: Ringstad, Marilyn Ann (1929 - 2015)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Ringstad, Torgerson, Jones, Levitt, Comte, Floyd, Thibodaux, Palewicz, Sather, Lukes, Koppert

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/17/2015

Ringstad, Marilyn Ann (21 September 1929 - 12 May 2015)

Marilyn Ringstad, 85, of Neillsville died Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at the House of the Dove in Marshfield.

Marilyn Ann Jones was born Sept. 21, 1929, in Amery, the daughter of Lee and Jessie (Torgerson) Jones. She attended Cylon Grade School and graduated from the New Richmond High School. She then attended River Falls State Teacher’s College where she met her husband-to-be, John Ringstad. Marilyn earned her teaching certificate and taught at the Cylon Baldwin grade schools.

John and Marilyn united in marriage Dec. 28, 1949, at Cylon Methodist Church. After their wedding, they lived in River Falls, where their first child, Paula was born. Later, they moved to Viroqua, where their second child, Jill was born, and July 15, 1956, they moved to Neillsville, where their last child, Thomas was born. In Neillsville, Marilyn substitute taught at the Neillsville School District for a few years. She also worked at Corey’s Jewelry Store. Marilyn also owned a sewing business, making curtains for various businesses in town. Eventually, she and Charlotte Lukes opened Charlyn’s Yarn Shop in Neillsville, where, among other things, they taught classes in knitting and needlepoint.

She participated in a knitting and bridge club. She was a member of the United Church of Christ and taught Sunday school. Marilyn was a beautiful seamstress and enjoyed knitting, puzzles and reading. Above all, she loved being a homemaker and caring for her family.

Marilyn is survived by her three children: Paula (Bernie) Levitt of Houston, TX. Jill Comte of Oakland, CA, and Tom Ringstad of Stoughton; seven grandchildren: Jason Comte, Lauren (Nick) Floyd, Nicole (Matt) Thibodaux, John Ringstad, Jeremy Comet, Adam Ringstad, and Michael Ringstad; two great-grandchildren: Alice Hunter Floyd and Matilda Taylor Floyd; and three siblings, Lorraine Palewicz of Glenwood City, Joann Jones of St. Paul, MN, and Curt (Carol) Jones of New Richmond.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; and a sister, Barbara Sather.

A memorial service for Marilyn will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at the United Church of Christ in Neillsville, with visitation from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Pastor Jacoba Koppert will officiate. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Norrie.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Marilyn’s family with funeral arrangements.