Marilyn Therese (Peterlik) Thoms
Marilyn Therese (Peterlik) Thoms, resident of Lafayette Township, Chippewa County, passed from this earthly dwelling, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024.
Marilyn was born Oct. 5, 1949, in Chippewa Falls, to George and Dagmar (Anderson) Peterlik.
She grew up in Cadott (Crescent/Drywood area), on a second-generation family farm, where she resided with her parents, her paternal grandfather and five brothers.
Marilyn attended parochial and public school in Cadott, graduating in 1967. Following high school, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and on a weekend getaway to Butternut, with a friend, Marilyn met her future husband, Ervin “Erv” Thoms Jr.
She transferred to Chippewa Valley Technical College and received her associate’s degree in secretarial science, as she and Erv continued their courtship.
Marilyn and Erv were married Oct. 12, 1974, at St. Anthony’s Church in Drywood. They resided in Menomonie, for a short time, while Erv completed his bachelor’s of science degree in engineering. They moved to Eau Claire, after Erv’s graduation and a Uniroyal employment, where Marilyn started working for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and had the opportunity to begin her career as a real estate appraiser.
Upon Erv taking a new employment position, they relocated to Wausau, where Marilyn worked at the Department of Transportation in Wisconsin Rapids, obtaining several levels of licensing in appraising and review, before retiring in 2008.
Throughout their years together, Marilyn and Erv maintained many long-lasting relationships with family, classmates, co-workers and friends, and enjoyed yearly camping trips, with these cherished people. They enjoyed their travels, taking them to many states, often to warmer climates in the winter months, and many trips to Mexico and Caribbean locations.
A number of other international vacations were enjoyed, including a trip Marilyn did with her mother and an aunt, to see Norway, and spend time with distant cousins there.
Upon retirement, Marilyn and Erv came back to the Chippewa Valley, building their dream retirement home in Lafayette, on a beautiful two acres of an old apple orchard, which they nurtured, and eventually, started their farmers market business, Our Red Apple Orchard. They enjoyed meeting new and familiar acquaintances during each fall’s harvest.
Sadly, and shortly after settling into retirement, Marilyn began her battle with breast cancer, which she fought with courage and determination over the past seven years, with Erv by her side at every step.
She is survived by her loving husband – Erv, her brothers – Peter, Kenneth, Charles, Daniel and Richard (Carrie); brother-in-law – Gary (Debbie) Thoms; sisters-in-law Nancy – (Daniel) Koch, Carol Walker and Karen Godlewski; many treasured nieces and nephews; other close relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her father and mother-in-law – Ervin and Hildegard Thoms Sr.; her brother-in-law – Lowell Thoms, and his wife, Jan (the college friend, who introduced her to Erv); and brothers-inlaw – William Walker and John Godlewski.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to her many caregivers at Mayo Hospital and Cancer Center in Eau Claire, and the wonderful staff at Mayo Hospital in Osseo, where she spent her final days. Also, a special thanks to all who provided encouragement and love to Marilyn, as she fought her battle these past years, and lived her life to her fullest, through the years of medical care and treatments.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 17, at Jacob’s Well Church in Chippewa Falls, at 3 p.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family instead suggests memorial gifts in Marilyn’s name be made to the Mayo Cancer Center, Jacob’s Well Church or a memorial tree planted through the Arbor Day Foundation in the Wisconsin Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
The Cremation Society of Wisconsin in Altoona, is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be expressed at cremationsociety- wi.com.
