Marilyn Raab

Marilyn J. Raab, age 65, of Madison, died on Feb. 14, 2016, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. She battled pancreatic cancer for 17 months with grace, dignity, and remarkable strength, inspiring all who knew her.

She was born June 1, 1950 in Phillips, WI, to Henry and Gladys (Anderson) Raab, and she grew up in Kennan and Tomahawk, WI. Education was very important to her. She attended UW-Stevens Point and Madison Area Technical College, eventually returning to school to earn her bachelor's degree at the Colorado Women's College of the University of Denver. She also earned multiple insurance designations during her 36-year career at American Family Insurance, working her way up from a clerical typist to a competitive pricing intelligence analyst.

She was known by family, friends, and coworkers for her warm, genuine smile and generous heart. Spending time with family--especially her daughters and granddaughters--brought her great joy. She was proud to share her love of the arts with the next generations. Music played a particularly important role throughout her life from early piano lessons to playing in the Waunakee Community Band.

Marilyn is survived by her daughters and their families, Christa, Wayne, and Adalyn Tollefson and Laura, Todd, Taryn, and Kaia Shucha; mother, Gladys Raab; brothers, Gaylin (Linda), Merlin (Janice), and Dennis (Vicky); former husband, Dennis Gutenberger; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Henry Raab.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at the UW Carbone Cancer Center for their compassionate care, especially Dr. Dan Mulkerin, Stacy Baumeister, RN, and Nancy van Veldhuisen, NP. Special thanks also go to the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for the care and comfort they provided for our family.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at 2 p.m. at PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH in Waunakee with a visitation beginning at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreas Cancer Research Fund, UW Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave. K4/658, Madison, WI 53792.


Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI