Marilyn Stefani

Marilyn (Versteegh) Taylor Stefani

June 19, 1929 – September 17, 2025

Marilyn was born on June 19, 1929, in New Sharon, Iowa. During the Great Depression her family moved to Chicago, where she attended high school and met her husband and father of her children, William "Bill" Taylor. The two married and shared over 40 years together, raising their two daughters, Nancy and Julie, in Burlington, Wisconsin, on "The Hill" on Storle Avenue.

Marilyn was a devoted mother and a fantastic cook - always ready with a home cooked meal, welcoming anyone to her table. After Bill retired, the two took to the road with their Airstream trailer, traveling across the country and visiting countless state and national parks - including an unforgettable trip above the Arctic Circle in Alaska.

After Bill's passing in 1991, Marilyn reconnected with a former friend, Sylvano Stefani. They later married in 1996, and built a rich, joy-filled life together in Florida, hosting dinner parties, enjoying cruises, and traveling often to Italy to spend time with Sylvano's family. Her beloved Sylvano passed away in 2012, but Marilyn never dwelled on the past - she always looked ahead with energy, humor, and love.

She made her home in New London, Wisconsin at Marion Heights, where she cherished time with her daughter Nancy and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marilyn was a loyal friend, who had a smile and a laugh that lit up any room. She was known for her positive spirit, her lead foot on the gas pedal, the occasional well-placed curse word, and her love of a strong Manhattans - fondly referring to them as her "brown ones". Marilyn was a loving daughter, the strongest mother anyone could ask for, and a source of warmth and love to all who knew her.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her first husband, William Taylor Jr.; and her second husband, Sylvano Stefani; mother, Helen Versteegh; father, Clarence Versteegh; sister, Judith Krcmar and brothers, Hugh and William (Billy Boy) Versteegh.

Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Nancy (Jim) Ott and Julie (John) Musiol; grandchildren, Aaron (Heather) Ott, Andrew (Ashten) Ott, Spencer Musiol, Geneva Musiol, and Benjamin Musiol; great-grandchildren, Meadow, Parker, and Elowyn Ott; as well as nephews Tom Versteegh, Hugh Versteegh, and nieces Mary Helen Kivi and Katie Jo Krcmar.

The Funeral Service for Marilyn will be held 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025 at the Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London. Visitation will take place from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

Nancy and Julie would like to thank the staff of Trinity Terrace and Moments Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care.