Marilyn Catherine Sausen

Marilyn Catherine (Beining) Sausen, born September 27, 1936 - passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

Marilyn was born the second of six children to Aloysius and Eleanor (Cornelissen), Beining on their family farm just east of De Pere, WI. There, she learned the value of hard work and the importance of family, two lessons she would carry with her throughout her life.

Marilyn fell in love and married John (Jack) Sausen on November 12, 1960, and honeymooned in Florida. Jack and Marilyn started their family immediately, welcoming their firstborn son 9.5 months later.

Marilyn became a stay-at-home mother, taking that strong work ethic and putting it into homemaking and ensuring their five children never wanted for anything. She and Jack grew a sizable vegetable garden. Marilyn made baby food, washed cloth diapers, canned vegetables, darned socks, and patched jeans to provide for their growing family.

Every Friday afternoon all summer long, Marilyn would load the station wagon for weekend trips to their cottage on Lee Lake, many times inviting extra kids or family along.

Marilyn worked for Diana Manufacturing after high school. She rejoined the workforce when her kids were old enough, first at Green Bay Radiological Associates and then at Brimmer and Teteak (now The Belson Company). She excelled in each position, and she dearly loved her work family.

Her husband, Jack, passed away in 1995 at the age of 62, and while her heart was broken, she picked herself up and rebuilt her life, becoming an inspiration for so many friends and family members. She continued to work for a few more years after his passing. Upon retirement, everyone wondered how she ever had time to work. She was always on the go; lunches and dinners with friends new and old, church, and her true passion - volunteerism.

Marilyn loved to give back with her time and her talent. She and her knitting club knitted hats for premature babies and squares that would be sewn together to form blankets for homeless veterans. She also knitted washcloths and Christmas ornaments that she gifted to friends and family. She worked the elections, cooked, and volunteered at funeral lunches for St. Mary’s church, and she helped to sort the donations for De Pere Christian Outreach.

Somehow, she also found time to travel in retirement. She went to Europe several times, Jerusalem, and trips out east to see the beautiful fall colors. As well she’d visit Florida for a few months each winter. Her favorite travel partner in retirement was her special friend, John (Jack) Derks. They shared a love for travel, friendship, volunteerism, theater, and good food. Because she loved playing cards, she always said, “I was dealt a pair of Jacks in this life, and that isn’t too bad!”

Marilyn was the life of the party, and her energy lit up every room – always quick-witted with a great sense of humor. Family and friends meant everything to Marilyn. She loved playing sheepshead, helping family, and shopping the deals at De Pere Christian Outreach when someone needed something unique.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Aloysius and Eleanor, her husband, Jack Sausen, her special friend, Jack Derks, brother-in-law Thomas Klauke, Jack’s brother Bill and his wife Leona Sausen, and sister-in-law Mary Ann Sausen.

She is survived by her five children, James (Lori), Thomas (Lorie), Gregg (Tina Cody), Amy (Kurt Nelson), and Michelle. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Craig (Brooke) Linzmeier, Eric (Drew) Sausen, Maria (Jeff) Hinnendael, and Brook (Brett) Vandenlangenberg. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Milo and Cash Linzmeier, Chloe, and Winnie Vandenlangenberg. She is further survived by “the sibs” Robert (Ruth) Beining, Lawrence (Patricia) Beining, Joan Klauke, Barbara (John) Truttman, and Karen (Mark) Hornick.

Family and friends may visit at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Dr., Ledgeview, on Friday, March 31, from 9:00am to 10:45am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Rev. Mike Ingold officiating. Interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, De Pere. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to De Pere Christian Outreach in Marilyn's memory.