Marilyn S. Christel

Marilyn S. Christel, age 92, of Manitowoc, passed away on March 27, 2025 at St. Mary’s nursing home in Manitowoc County.

Marilyn was born on August 17, 1932 in Two Rivers to Rienze and Marie Bohne.  She graduated from Two Rivers High School in 1950 where she was a top student and active as a cheerleader.  Marilyn met her loving husband, Patrick Christel of Valders WI, while working as a secretary at Hamilton Manufacturing Co. in Two Rivers.  On October 13, 1951 they were married at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Two Rivers.  

For most of their married lives, Marilyn and her twin sister, Marian, lived next door to one another.  They raised their kids,and remained very close over the decades: playing Sheepshead, participating in Bridge clubs, and hosting a corn roast with extended family every August that was an annual highlight! 

Marilyn was a devoted wife, mom, and grandmother, and was always a positive, caring force in her family’s lives. Once her four children grew older, she worked as an administrative assistant at Two Rivers Case Elementary School.  In summertime, she enjoyed swimming and water skiing with her family at the Christel family’s cottage at Crystal Lake.  Marilyn was passionate about eating fresh fruits and vegetables, frequenting Wilfert Farms for sweet corn, peas, and other in-season produce.  She and her husband traveled across the US and Canada visiting many State and National Parks, Florida, and cultural sites in the Southwest.  They visited California many times to spend time with their grandchildren, and family members shared vacations at lake houses in the North Woods of WI.

In her retirement years Marilyn volunteered at local churches and the senior center helping at events and serving meals.  Marilyn’s passion for cooking and doing for others was the essence of her life.  She always put the interests and wellbeing of others ahead of her own.

Marilyn is survived by her twin sister Marian Bunke (Manitowoc, WI), her children: Karl Christel (Madison WI), Kay (George) Magnin (Madison, WI), Lee (Amy) Christel (Palo Alto, CA) and Barbara Christel (Post Falls, ID) as well as two grandchildren: Benjamin and Sophia Christel (Palo Alto, CA).  She was preceded in death by her husband Patrick Christel, parents Rienze and Marie Bohne, parents-in-law Norbert and Ester Christel, brother-in-law Herbert Bunke, and sister and brother-in-law Sandra and James Hansel.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday April 10, 2025 at 10 am until 12 pm at the Klein and Stangel Funeral Home in Two Rivers. Marilyn will be laid to rest next to her husband at Holy Cross Cemetery in Two Rivers.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staffs at St. Mary’s Home and Angelus Senior Living for their loving support during Mom’s last years and days. Special thanks also to the caregivers of Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care.

Klein and Stangel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marilyn’s memory to Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve.

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