Marilyn Jean Spearbraker Obituary
(nee Radke) Marilyn was called to eternal life on May 2, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on January 27, 1936, to Walter and Agnes Radke in Mankato, Minnesota. As a child, she moved to Wisconsin and graduated from Hartford High School in 1954. She went on to graduate from St. Olaf College in 1958.
While teaching English at Homestead High School in Mequon, WI, Marilyn met the love of her life, Tom. They were married on June 9, 1962, and made their home in Mequon, where they raised their three daughters.
Marilyn's faith in Jesus was the foundation of her life, and she was a blessing to all who knew her. She served faithfully in many roles, especially as a church organist and choir director. Marilyn had a gift for making people feel welcome, always offering a warm smile and kind conversation. She most cherished time spent with family and friends. In recent years, she enjoyed gardening, baking, crocheting, eating chocolate, vacations to St. Pete Beach, Florida, and spending time at her place on Pearl Lake in Redgranite, Wisconsin.
Marilyn and her beloved husband, Tom, shared 52 years of marriage. She will be deeply missed by her daughters Kris (Kevin) Kerwin, Kathy (Eric) Ebacher, and Lynne (Tim) Fehrenbacher.and by her cherished grandchildren, Brad, Steven, and Ben Ebacher, Nolan and Bryce Fehrenbacher, and the late Cameron Kerwin, who knew her as a proud and loving Grammy. She is further survived by her siblings, Don (Janice) Radke, Gloria Polzin, as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Tom, sister and brother-in-law Cleo (Bob) Brackett, and brother-in-law Dennis Polzin.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who prayed for Marilyn and supported her care, especially the staff at Zilber Hospice, who brought great comfort in her final days.
A private service and burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, Marilyn requested that memorials in her name may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church–Freistadt, Ronald McDonald House, or a charity of your choice.
