Marlin Novitzke
Marlin A. Novitzke, 85, of Edgar, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital under hospice care.
Marlin was born on January 3,1940, to Joseph and Lucy (Boehm) Novitzke. On May 26,1962, he married the love of his life, Mary Imhoff, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Edgar. After their wedding, the couple lived in Kenosha for two years before proudly purchasing the family farm established by Marlin’s grandparents in 1899, where they built a life centered on faith, family and hard work.
Marlin’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially during lively and competitive card games and billiards. He shared his love of hunting, fishing and gardening with his children and grandchildren. Known for his generosity, he was always willing to lend a helping hand and had a remarkable ability to fix nearly anything. Marlin also had a deep love for animals, including his livestock, cats and the several dogs he named Scooby over the years.
He enjoyed motorcycling, snowmobiling and following NASCAR. Marlin and Mary both played the concertina, sharing their love of polka music. They were members of the Jammers and the Central Wisconsin Concertina Club, where Marlin served as president. Through their music, they brought joy to others by performing at nursing homes, parades and local festivals. Marlin also served his community as a member of the Town of Emmet zoning committee for 20 years and proudly donated more than 10 gallons of blood throughout his lifetime.
Marlin’s devotion to his Catholic faith was evident throughout his life; he prayed the rosary even in his final days, and his favorite prayer was to St. Jude. His faith gave him courage and comfort, bringing him peace and touching the lives of everyone who knew him.
He especially cherished time spent with Mary, including UTV rides as they checked on the crops and enjoyed the land they loved so dearly. They also enjoyed attending church picnics and polka festivals together, celebrating his Polish heritage.
Marlin is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his three children: Robert of Wausau, Lee (Margaret) of Mosinee and Debra (Robin) Beran of Abbotsford; and a bonus son, Rich Knetter of Mosinee. He is further survived by five grandchildren: Ryan (Elisha Kopca) Beran, Elizabeth (Nick) Dwyer, Jesse Beran, Jared (Amanda) Novitzke and Bryce Novitzke; and his first great-grandchild of Elizabeth and Nick Dwyer, expected in February; along with many special nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Joseph, Melvin, James, and Joyce.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Edgar, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with the Mass to follow at noon. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
