Marilyn Andersen

Marilyn was born November 2, 1945, in Golden, Illinois, a daughter of Henry and Arlene (Holtman) Reuschel. She was raised in Golden and graduated from Central High School. She continued her education at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, pursuing a degree in education. While there, she met Peter Andersen who was studying to become a Lutheran Pastor, and on July 21, 1968, the couple was married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Golden, Illinois. Pastor Andersen was ordained in Rock Island, Illinois on June 6, 1971. While beginning her teaching career, Marilyn also supported her husband in his ministry as a Lutheran pastor. An accomplished accompanist, she also taught piano lessons along with balancing the demands of being a wife and homemaker, while at the same time raising their son, Philip. Marilyn and Peter were a team in navigating his ministerial career, her teaching career, and parenting. Marilyn was a woman of strong faith which carried her through many devoted years and many relocations to the various congregations where ‘Pastor Pete’ was called. Over the years, the couple resided in Chicago, St. Charles, Illinois, Murphysboro, Illinois, Quincy, Illinois, and Escanaba, Michigan. Following 40 years of ministry, Pastor Pete retired in 2009 and the couple moved to Marquette. However, in retirement, he continued to serve in pulpit supply and interim pastor roles, always with Marilyn by his side. For over 40 years, she served as a church organist, accompanying her husband wherever he was a pastor.

In her leisure, Marilyn enjoyed sewing and quilting and was active in 4-H club work in her earlier years. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette and former member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Escanaba.

Marilyn is survived by her son, Philip Andersen of Marquette; her sisters, Betty (Vernon) Kleen of Springfield, IL and Elaine (Larry) Foss of Seattle, WA; her three nephews, Andrew, Aaron, and Michael Foss and her brother-in-law, Jack Mansell.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rev. Peter Andersen; a brother, Larry; her sister, Lois and a nephew, Alexander Mansell.

Friends may call at Messiah Lutheran Church on Wednesday, May 7, beginning at 12:30 pm until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Rev. Dr. Andrew Plocher will officiate. A dessert reception will follow. Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Messiah Lutheran Church, 305 W. Magnetic Street, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com