Marilyn S. Achtermann

Marilyn Sue Achtermann, 81, of Bucyrus, died Thursday, December 11, 2025 at her home while in the presence of many loved ones.

She was born on March 4, 1944 in Bellefontaine, Ohio to the late James R. and Iva J. (Winegardner) Smith. Marilyn was a 1962 graduate of Bellefontaine High School and completed beauty school in Lima. She moved to Bucyrus and worked as a hair stylist for a brief period before hiring in at Second National Bank. Marilyn spent 35 years at the bank before retiring as a Customer Service Rep. While with the bank, she formed many lifelong friendships and until her recent decline in health, always looked forward to the monthly “Bank Gang” dinners.

Marilyn was introduced to Glenn T. Achtermann through a mutual friend, and on May 7, 1971 they got married. It was important to Marilyn that family gathered for the holidays, so over the years, they shared many laughs around the dinner table as well as in the kitchen, where they baked a variety of sweets including buckeyes, caramels, cookies and gingerbread men. They also spent many hours playing card games and Scrabble. She enjoyed following her grandchildren with the sporting events and activities and loved babysitting for family, giving her quality time with the little ones.

Marilyn loved traveling and was fortunate to visit some amazing sites. Maybe just a coincidence, but her travels often led to a stop at an area casino for some video poker, her favorite game. Marilyn’s other hobbies were tending to her flowers, landscaping, shopping for anything and she had quite a collection of angels. She very much enjoyed the companionship of Lucky, her daughter’s dog that came to visit and most recently she found comfort in a couple of teddy bears given to her by family.

Marilyn was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where she was active in COTTA, assisted with many church meals, rummage sales and loved gathering for Friday night dinners with her church friends. She was also a member of The Order of Eastern Star, serving a Past Worthy Matron; and The King’s Daughters and Sons, where she formerly served as Secretary.

Marilyn will be deeply missed by Glenn, her husband of 54 years; children, Robert (Faith) Achtermann, Tracey (Julie) Achtermann and Tonya (Greg Henak) Kindle; grandchildren, Joseph (Erin) Achtermann, Jordan (Khrista) Achtermann, Kya (Jon Furbush) Achtermann, Renee (Drake) Hicks, Kennedy (Chase) Crawford, Madison (Kyle) French, Brittany (Casey) Bates, Ryan Henak and Kaleigh (Kenny) Heinz; 17 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, William Buchenroth and special cousins, Nick (Terri) Kober. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Buchenroth.

All services for Marilyn will be held on Wednesday, December 17 at Wise Funeral Service. Her family will receive friends from 10 – 11:55 am, with her funeral beginning at 12:00 noon with Pastor Mike Greenler officiating and burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

If desired, donation may be made payable to Avita Hospice or to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and these gifts will be accepted through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on her guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.