Marilyn Rose Wheeler

Marilyn Rose Wheeler, aged 90, passed away in Mount Vernon, February 9, 2024.

Marilyn Norgaard was born on April 10, 1933, in Burlington, WA, the daughter of Ernest and Ruth (Hall) Norgaard. She grew up in Cedarhome, Florence, and Stanwood, graduating from Twin City High School in 1951. She attended Stephens College in Missouri for two years. Marilyn met William (Bud) Wheeler in high school and they were married September 20, 1952, and had three children who were raised in Mount Vernon.

Marilyn had a variety of interests; enjoying reading, gardening, genealogy, bowling, casinos, canning, baking, and cooking. She and Bud hosted all the family holiday dinners with delicious food. She loved to travel; some favorite places were Penticton BC, Ross Lake, Branson MO, Lake Concunully, and many historical sites and national parks. But above all she loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom she was known as GiGi. She was a member of the informal sewing club, which did very little sewing and was designated as the “hen party” by her husband Bud. Marilyn held many different jobs over the years. When her children were young, she worked for Roozengaarde and the La Conner Fish Cannery. In the late 70s and early 80s, Bud and Marilyn lived in Fairbanks, AK, which they both really loved. She was employed there as a rental car agent. After they moved back to Mount Vernon, she worked with her daughter, Vicky, as a florist for Thrifty Foods. Marilyn also volunteered as a Campfire Leader and for a local battered woman’s shelter.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Bud, her parents, and her brother Bill Norgaard. She is survived by her children, Vicky (Mike) DuCharme, Gail (Eric) Henry, and Wade (Monica) Wheeler; her grandchildren, Bryan DuCharme, Chad DuCharme, Jayme (Michael) Lambert, Taryn Wheeler, Garrett (Tara Duce) Wheeler, Cameron Wheeler, Caitlin Henry, Lacey (Tyler) Ballard, and Delaney Ballard; and great-grandchildren, Corbin, Hudson, Zavier, Graycie, Harper, Baker, and Owdon.

Marilyn’s family would like to thank her caregivers, Nevada Heide and Johanna Davies, whose loving care for Mom enabled her to stay in her beloved home as she aged.

Marilyn has been interred alongside her husband Bud at Hawthorne Memorial Park. At her request, no funeral service will be held, but a family memorial service is planned for April.