Marilyn Jo Wolfe was born east of Swanton to Joseph and Libbie (Wanek)Stirba on Jan. 7 1938. She passed into Glory on June 4, 2025. at Fairview Manor, Fairmont. She was 87.
Marilyn grew up on her parents’ farm and went to school in Swanton, graduating Salutatorian of her class in 1955. Starting in about eighth grade, she began to report local news to the Wilber Republican newspaper and the Beatrice Daily Sun. This kept her busy calling residents of the Swanton area from her grandparents’ phone or going door to door asking for news items.
She met Roger Wolfe in 1954, while he was in the Air Force, they were engaged October of 1955 and married at the Swanton Methodist Church on Feb. 19 1956. To this union, four children were born, Roger, Jr., Diane, Julie and Christian.
Marilyn began attending the “East Church” a mile east of her home when a little girl. But a neighbor began doing Story Hour at the Methodist Church in Swanton and that is where she trusted in Jesus as her Savior being baptized at about 11 years old.
Marilyn started her married life as an Air Force wife and working as a secretary at the University of Nebraska, but after Roger separated from the Air Force in 1957, she became a farm wife, returning to her roots. Marilyn also was the Avon Lady and sold Studio Girl Cosmetics for many years. From 1973-74, she was a cook at the Crete hospital. From 1979-2005 she drove a school bus for Dorchester Public Schools. For many years, Marilyn and Roger delivered newspapers to much of the Dorchester area.
When Roger became a pastor, she assisted Roger with his ministries. They sang many a duet at church services and funerals during the many years of Saline Baptist Ministries. She assisted Roger with many details of the ministry. She also assisted with dad’s duties as Chaplain for the American Legion. She was a long-time member of the legion auxiliary. All this time, she enjoyed helping with the farm chores, because Roger and Marilyn were involved in agriculture most of their lives. She spent most of her life in Saline County and a great deal of that in the Dorchester area. For 69 years, she was at the side of Roger, as she was when she passed.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Roger; children, Roger, Jr., (Diane) Wolfe, Diane (Michael) Turner, Julie (Joe) Holly and Christian Wolfe; grandchildren, Erin Tyler, Jeremiah Wolfe, David Wolfe, Shane Krasser, Destinee Ingwersen, Benjamin Holly, Adam Holly, Nathaniel Holly, Amber Holly, Casey Wolfe and Ashley Spaustat; great-grandchildren, Andrew Jessen-Tyler, Parker Tyler, Emma Tyler, Faith Wolfe, Ashtyn Wolfe, Levi Wolfe, Mary Wolfe, Matej Ingwersen, Beckett Spaustat, Russell Spaustat and Robert Spaustat; and nephews, Sheldon Tyser and Greg Tyser.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Tony and Gladys Wolfe; sister, Corrine and brother-in-law, Dwain Tyser; grandson, Lewis Krasser; granddaughter, Angel Holly; great-grandson, Devin Krasser; and daughter-in-law, DiAnn “Dee Dee” Wolfe.
Visitation will be Friday, June 6, from 5 – 7 p.m. at at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. The funeral service will be Saturday, June 7, at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Greg Tyser, Jeremiah Wolfe, David Wolfe, Benjamin Holly, Adam Holly and Nathaniel Holly. Honorary pallbearers are Sheldon Tyser, Erin Tyler, Ashley Spaustat, Casey Wolfe, Amber Holly, Destinee Ingerwersen.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.
