Marilyn June Wise

Marilyn June (Olson) Wise

Marilyn June (Olson) Wise, 79, passed peacefully in her home in Lititz, Pa., on Monday, November 4, 2024.

Born and raised in Genoa, Neb., she was the eldest of four children of the late John Gordon and Carole (Moore) Olson, successful farmers in the community.

She was the beloved wife of the late James A. Wise, whom she met in college and built a life with until his passing in 1994. With James, she raised two sons, pursued a career in education and supported her husband's professional endeavors while living in various cities and towns across Texas.

Having excelled in her early educational pursuits, Marilyn entered college at the age of 17. She earned a BA in Education from Kearney State College, Kearney, Neb. While working as an educator, she continued her academic career, earning a BA in Marketing from North Texas State University, Denton, Texas and later her master's in education from Stephen F. Austin University, Nacogdoches, Texas.

A dedicated educator, Marilyn taught high school Marketing, English, and Distributed Education (D.E.) and leading the DECA organizations in the school districts where she worked for over 30 years before retirement. She nurtured and inspired generations of students with her warmth and knowledge. Through her leadership and mentorship, many students blossomed into business professionals and impactful citizens. Her love of learning and education extended beyond the classroom and into her community, as Marilyn and James taught bible study and Sunday school classes at various Methodist churches that they attended over the years.

Marilyn was a woman of many passions. She was an avid seamstress, a veracious reader and talented cook who enjoyed sharing her creations with family and friends. The daughter of a farmer, she loved the outdoors, whether boating, sailing, or tending to her garden. She also had a great love for animals, especially dogs.

Her love for adventure and nature took her across the globe, visiting beautiful places and historic sites. Marilyn instilled her passion for the outdoors and nature in her children and grandchildren. She did so through planning memorable camping trips, visits to national parks, and training the family dog, Hunter, to be a national park ranger in the Cuyahoga National Forest.

Marilyn especially loved her grandchildren and was an ardent supporter of their educational pursuits. A loving grandmother, she dedicated herself to nurturing her grandchildren's love for learning, animals, and adventure. Marilyn was also known for her compassion, especially through the work she did with her two beloved labradoodles, Coco and Hunter, who served as therapy dogs for patients and residents in various facilities. Her involvement in volunteer work and leadership in organizations such as New Neighbors of Toledo, Ohio was a testament to her generous spirit, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Marilyn is survived by her two sons, Paul (Sally) and Larry (Marie) Wise; her siblings, Jean (Larry) Andreasen, Dean (Sandy) Olson, and Vera (Dan) Zabloudil, and children; her brothers-in-law, John Robert and Thomas (Jackee) Wise; her grandchildren, Christopher, Catherine, Alex, and William Wise; and her beloved dog, Coco.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, James, and dog, Hunter.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m., at Gass Haney Funeral Home in Columbus, Neb., with the Rev. Vern Olson officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until service time, at the funeral home. Interment will be held in Valley View Cemetery in Genoa, Neb., at 3 p.m., on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or ASPCA in Marilyn's honor are welcomed.

To leave an online condolence, please visit: snyderfuneralhome.com or gasshaney.com.

Condolences may be sent to www.gasshaney.com.