Marilyn S. Garetson

1941 - 2025

Beloit, WI - Marilyn Sue (Hardt) Garetson, age 84, of Beloit, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025. She was born on May 2, 1941, in Portage, Wisconsin, to Walter and Irma Hardt. Marilyn graduated from Portage High School in 1959. Shortly after, she married the love of her life, Gary Garetson, on July 18, 1959. Together they shared a beautiful marriage and raised four children: Tom, Tim, Lisa, and Amy. Marilyn worked for many years as a nurse's aide before fulfilling her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse, proudly earning her degree in 1982. She dedicated her career to caring for others with compassion, patience, and kindness. Faith was the foundation of Marilyn's life, and she was a devoted member of Rock Valley Chapel in Beloit. Outside of her work and family, she enjoyed golfing, gardening, traveling cross-country with Gary, playing cards with friends, and taking and organizing photos. Her greatest joy, however, was her family, who were the center of her heart and life. She taught them strength and perseverance, led them to Jesus, and prayed for them every day. She was their best cheerleader, the winner of all family games, and the maker of the best potato salad. Marilyn is survived by her children: Thomas (Kimberley) Garetson of New Bern, NC; Lisa (Thomas) Grover of Beloit, WI; and Amy (Darrell Palmer) Dalton of Apache Junction, AZ; her daughter-in-law, Lynn Garetson of Beloit, WI; seven cherished grandchildren: Kimberly (Chad Eichelt) Garetson, Matt Garetson, Adam Garetson, Melissa (Brock) Bauer, Megan (Jordan) Conway, Amberly (Jason Buckner) Dalton, and Cody (Rachel) Dalton; and eight adored great-grandchildren: Mya, Gia, Jett, Charley, Harlyn, Adley, Casen, and Bo. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Hardt of Portage, WI; in-laws, Nicholas Garetson, James Garetson, Patricia Eidson, and Robert Mielke; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary; her parents, Walter and Irma Hardt; siblings, Audrey Mattison and Dallas Hardt; her son, Timothy Garetson; her son-in-law, Tim Dalton; and in-laws Dean and Lynn Garetson, Karen Mielke, Roxanne and Robert Anacker, LeeAnn Garetson, Glenna Garetson, Herb Eidson and Betty Hardt. Funeral services for Marilyn will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025 in the Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Baldwin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rock Valley Chapel or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com