Marilyn R. Kalhagen

McFarland – Marilyn Ruth Kalhagen, age 92, passed away at her home on Monday August 21, 2023.    Marilyn married Robert Kalhagen on November 22, 1950, in McFarland Lutheran Church. Our beloved Mom has left us to go to her devoted husband Robert "Buck" Kalhagen (who passed in October 2008).  They will be joined again after being married 58 years.
Her wish was to stay home with her devoted dog, Snoopy, for her final journey.  Marilyn was born on August 9, 1931, to Russell and Ethel Martin.  She was predeceased by her older brother Rodney and infant brother Curtiss.  She was a life-long resident of McFarland.  Being brought up on a farm as a child, she always had a great love for animals.  Her entire life she was never without a dog as her constant companion.  How can we put a whole life into a few words.  She was the best.
Marilyn and her husband Bob, for many years traveled to Craft Fairs and sold their products.  Marilyn was a self-taught artist.  Dad did all the preparations of their products and Mom painted them.  From a wide assortment of: saw blades, farm tools, framed art scenery and wooden yard ornaments.  People would also stop and admire their yard as it was constantly changing with flowers and decorations. Marilyn will live on through her children Darlene (Stephen) Cooley, Robert (Betty) Kalhagen, and Kevin (Trish) Kalhagen.  Grandchildren she was so excited to have and adored them all: Becky (John Bronson Jr.) Cooley, Russ (Katie Morenz) Cooley, Mindy (Joe) Wentworth, Molly Wohlfeil, Jeff (Suzanne Smelcer) Kalhagen, Chad (Alyson) Kalhagen and Tom Kalhagen; Great-Grandchildren that were so fortunate to have known her:  Jordan & Rachel Dorn, Graham & Evelyn Cooley, Jaxon & Xander Wentworth, Franklin Wohlfeil and Scarlett Kalhagen.   Also, a very special niece, Sue Clark, along with special nieces, nephews and cousins that she loved dearly (too many to list individually).

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday September 7, 2023, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 5801 Hwy 51, McFarland.   Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home on Thursday.

We also wish to send a special heart-felt thank you to her nurses and all support staff from Agrace Hospice.  These special people helped us give Mom her last wishes.  Emi-nurse, Peg-Social Worker, Kari-CNA and many others who filled in for them.  You allowed us to keep Mom home and to honor her wishes.  We thank you all. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dane County Humane Society.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5801 Highway 51, P.O. Box 105, McFarland

(608) 838-0655