Marilyn Adeline Wilson
September 13, 1937 – October 15, 2026
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. with a Rosary Service beginning at 6:30p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at St. Augustine Cathedral, 542 W. Michigan Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49007, beginning at 10:00a.m. Interment will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to St, Augustine Parish or St. Giles Elementary School (Oak Park, IL), c/o the funeral home. Friends and family may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.
Obituary
Marilyn Adeline Wilson, age 89, passed away at Centrica Rose Arbor Place on October 15, 2026, with family at her side. She was born in Chicago, IL, on September 13, 1937, the daughter of the late Robert and Adeline (Peschke) Miller. Marilyn was a woman of faith, love and compassion. Her love for the Lord served as the foundation of her life and she strived to make a positive impact on the world around her.
After graduating from Trinity High School in River Forest, IL, she attended Michigan State University before going on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Rosary College, now Dominican University, in River Forest, IL. Her career in service began when she took a job as a Social Caseworker in Cook County, IL. She later worked for Senior Services in Kalamazoo, MI, and finally retired after twenty-five years as a licensed realtor.
Marilyn believed in being involved in the community around her. She was a volunteer at Kalamazoo Public Schools, Kalamazoo County Juvenile Court, was President of the Marian Guild women’s group at St. Augustine Cathedral where she chaired the fund drive for renovation and served with the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. She was also involved with the American Red Cross and served on a committee for Dillon Hall Senior Apartments.
Marilyn also made time to enjoy life and make special memories. She traveled to Europe several times along with many U.S. destinations. She enjoyed reading and prayed daily for those she loved. She was a dedicated member of St. Augustine Parish in Kalamazoo for over sixty years. Above all, Marilyn loved her family and friends.
On September 23, 1961, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Gerald Wilson, Sr. They remained by each other’s side for 65 years. Together they raised two loving sons. She was an involved and proud grandmother, loyal sister and dedicated friend. She had a natural ability to put others at ease and continued to maintain a wide network of friends until her death. Her smile, kindness and joy were gifts to those who loved her and she will be forever missed.
Marilyn is survived by her husband Gerald Wilson, Sr.; two sons, Gerald (Mary) Wilson, Jr., Robert Wilson; grandchildren, Gerald (Caroline) Wilson III, Sean Wilson, Erin Wilson (David Finley, fiancé), Margaret Wilson; brother-in-law, J. Rodney Wilson; special friends who were like family, Sara, Eliana and Alyssa Lopez; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in passing by her two brothers, Robert Miller and Donald Miller; a nephew, Sgt. Robert E. Miller III and a niece, Patricia “Pat” Dahn.
