Marilyn Tavs
Marilyn Tavs, 77, of Brandon, died Monday, November 11, 2013 at The Christian Home & Rehabilitation Center in Waupun surrounded by her loving family following health problems with kidney disease and cancer.
Marilyn Tavs was born June 22, 1936 in Friesland, WI the daughter of William and Martha Stiemsma Kok.
Marilyn graduated from Cambria High School in 1954. On January 14, 1955 she married Wayne Tavs in Friesland. Following their marriage they resided in Alameda, California for two years and resided in the Brandon area for the remainder of their married lives. Marilyn was an Avon representative for 31 years, was employed at Pearl’s House of Fashion, Ripon College, Speed Queen, and St. Agnes Hospital from which she retired. Marilyn did volunteer work at Ripon Medical Center. She was an active member of Bethel Reformed Church where she taught Sunday School, was a member of the Women’s Guild, and was active with the church’s library. Marilyn was an avid Badger and Packer fan. Marilyn attended sporting events which her children and grandchildren participated in. Marilyn and Wayne enjoyed their time together traveling to various destinations.
Marilyn is survived by, her husband of 58 years, Wayne Tavs of Brandon; their four children, Shelly (Les) Hiemstra of Brandon, Pam Greene of Douglasville, Georgia, David (Kathy) Tavs of Lamartine, and Nancy (John) Dille of Fond du Lac; 16 grandchildren, Deanna (Jack) Theyerl, Shanna (John Peterson) Hiemstra, Shaun (Amanda) Hiemstra, Derek (Ruth) Greene, Dana Greene, Drew Greene, Jamie (Greg) Dragolovich, Jackie (Bryan Whitenack) Schommer, Stephanie (Grant) Stettler, Jennifer (Alan) Foster, Rebecca (Riley Dahlke) Sylla, Brooke (Paul) Atkinson, Brittney (Troy Schmidt) Schommer, Bryanna (Jake Duel) Schommer, Amanda Dille, and Cortney (Jarod) Gumbleton; 19 great-grandchildren; four brothers, Rodney (Sandy) Kok of Cambria, Larry (Kathy) Kok of Randolph, Gene (Tammy) Kok of Fox Lake, and Jim (Gena) Kok of Cambria; two sisters, Judy (Larry) Westra of Beaver Dam and Brenda (Al) Te Brink of Durango, Colorado; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dick and Marlene Holmes, Chet and Ardys Fenner, and Lynn and Fern Tavs; and several nieces and nephews.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Byron Kok; a sister-in-law, Pat Kok; and a son-in-law, Prestal Greene.
Funeral services for Marilyn Tavs will be held Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Bethel Reformed Church in Brandon with Rev. John Tilstra and Rev. Al Te Brink officiating. Burial will follow at Brandon Cemetery. Friends and relatives may call at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. and Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
The family wishes to thank The Christian Home and Rehabilitation Center along with Agnesian Hospice Hope for their love and care. Memorials may be directed to The Christian Home and Rehabilitation Center or Agnesian Hospice Hope.
Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home of Waupun and staff are serving the family. Please visit our website at www.wernerharmsenfuneralhome.com for further information and to send condolences.