Marilyn Wilz

Marilyn, Wilz, 82, died December 8, 2017, at Edgewood Assisted Living, in Mandan. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday December 13, at Church of Corpus Christi, 1919 N 2nd St, Bismarck with Monsignor Chad Gion officiating.    Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m on Tuesday, December 12, at Parkway Funeral Home, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where rosary/vigil services will begin at 7 p.m.  Burial will be held at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery. Marilyn Ann (Born) Wilz was born on April 4, 1935 in Richardton, ND.  She was the second daughter of Fred and Rose Born and has three sisters, Florence (Patti), Anita, and Rose Marie. Marilyn received her education at St. Mary's Catholic School in Richardton, completing her high school graduation requirements in three years.  She went on to complete a Bachelor's Degree with a major in English and a composite in Music Education from Dickinson State Teachers College graduating summa cum laude in 1956.  While attending college Marilyn met Charles Wilz and they were married on June 20, 1956.  After graduating college Marilyn and Chuck moved to Dufur, Oregon and started their teaching careers in the fall of 1956. Marilyn and Chuck returned to North Dakota in the summer of 1960.  Chuck became the first superintendent of Richardton Public School and Marilyn taught English and Music. Marilyn truly enjoyed her time in the classroom and was a positive influence on her students.  It was not uncommon for her students to relay to her children, decades later, they play the piano because of her.  She was a wonderful teacher with the patience of an angel. As more children were born to Chuck and Marilyn she became a full time mother and an occasional substitute teacher.  She also spent many years driving bus, and doing whatever was needed to support the Richardton School. She was a devoted mother to six children, Greg, Gary, Guy, Giselle (Gigi), Grant, and Gwen and instilled her values in each of them.  She had incredible patience and a heart that overflowed with love for each of them.  While the children received their drive, desire, and passion to achieve from their father, they received their strong sense of caring for people, being kind to all, and strong faith in God from their mother.  Her devotion to family and faith in God was tried and tested through years as a military spouse, mother, and grandmother.  Her husband, children, and grandson’s military careers, spanning over 50 years, included many long deployments in harm’s way. Marilyn had many hobbies.  She enjoyed a good game of Bridge, Pinochle, and Tripoley.  She loved spending time at Lake Tschida with her family and loved to fish.  She enjoyed being a homemaker.  She was a phenomenal cook and baker and the proof today shows in the waistlines of her children.  She enjoyed passing on her baking skills to her children and grandchildren.  Reading and music were lifelong passions.  She was an exceptional musician and showcased her music skills by playing the organ, piano, and singing in the church choir.  Sheet music was seldom required after she mastered the play and was able to recall a composition years later.  She entertained her neighbors at Edgewood by sitting at the piano and playing before dinner, only a few months before her passing.  What Marilyn loved most was being with family.  She never missed acknowledging family members birthdays or anniversaries and recognized these special days with a card or gift.  She dedicated herself to her family in every way possible.  Marilyn was a passionate grandmother and great-grandmother as well.  She loved to attend her grandchildren's activities, games, and concerts and gathering them up for a good game of cards.  Time spent holding and hugging her great-grandchildren made her shine.  Marilyn entered eternal rest on December 8, 2017 at the age of 82. She and Chuck are together again with God, their grandson Jordan, their parents, and the many friends who departed before them. She is survived by her children, Greg and Sharon Wilz (Justin and wife Lindsay, Michael and wife Stacy), Gary and Pam Wilz (Sarah and husband Kevin, Mariah and fiancée Josh), Guy and Sallie Wilz (Mackenzie and wife Alex, Hollie and husband Ben, and Brady), Gigi Wilz and Davina French, Grant Wilz (Cole and Lindsey), and Gwen and Tim Beckler (Alex and husband Eric, Sean and wife Annie, Noah, and Madison) and six, soon to be seven great-grandchildren, Gentry, Liam, Piper, Ruby, Reeve, and Charlie.  She is also survived by her three sisters, Patti Kroetch, Anita Messer and Rose Marie Gerhart. The family prefers memorials to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.