Marilyn M. Thames Obituary (1942

Marilyn M. Thames, age 75, passed on to her heavenly home and into the arms of her Heavenly Father on June 17, 2017. Marilyn was born March 24, 1942 in Bloomer to Alma and Chester Johnson. She married Kenneth H. Thames in 1961. Marilyn attended the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and earned her bachelor degree in Medical Technology in 1965. She worked as a Med Tech until 1969. Marilyn maintained a natural curiosity and great love for all God's creation as evident by her beloved pets, avid bird watching, and the plants and flowers she nurtured. Marilyn enjoyed working on projects and learning new crafts: she was rarely sighted without her knitting bag and everyone around her is a recipient of her generosity (i.e. hats, scarves, socks and doilies). She was a devoted wife and mother and grandma and spent most of her energy caring for others. Quick to sense a need, she quietly stepped in to help wherever necessary. She spent years ministering in nursing homes with her husband, Ken, sharing her love of music, flute, and the Scriptures. She was her children's first and greatest teacher and taught them to read, to cook, to swim, and to sew. More importantly she modeled patience, grace, a quiet spirit and a servant's heart. Marilyn's life testimony emanates from her relationship with God through Jesus Christ. She desired daily to live out the Christian life: praying, reading and studying her Bible, and talking of Her Lord and Savior with friends and family. Survivors include her three children: Steve (Jenni) of Wisconsin Rapids, Sarah Chambers of Sun Prairie, and Trina (Aric Van Gelder) of Phoenix, AZ; six grandchildren: Anthony, Rachel (Jeremiah Greely), Massaquoi and Jordan Thames; Christian and Evan Chambers; two sisters: Annette Antigua of Elk River, MN and Laurie (Jerry) Wright of Hayward, WI. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; sister, Sally Johnson; and brother-in-law, Pablo Antigua. Memorials will be given to the Fragrant Oil Ministries (outreach to the Leprosy colonies in India); and other Christian Ministries important to Marilyn. Services will be at Liberty Bible Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI on Saturday, June 24 at 10:30 with a meal to follow.