Marilyn Rose Wanda

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marilyn Rose Wanda, 76, of Ocala, Florida on February 21, 2025.
Marilyn was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Henry and Angeline Furtmann on October 30, 1948. She is survived by her love and partner in life, Elliot "Butch" Kindberg, her daughters, Cheryl (Greg) Polmatier and Lisa Wanda, her grandchildren Lauren and Jake, her sister Fran Morrison, and many friends whom she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents: Henry and Angeline Furtmann, and her brother Fred Furtmann.
Marilyn graduated from West Division High School and studied at MATC to further her education. She married, had two daughters and raised her family in Milwaukee. Once an empty nester, she moved to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, where she eventually retired as Vice President of Human Resources in the insurance industry. In 2021, she permanently moved to Ocala, Florida where she lived out her retirement years.
Marilyn lived her life to the fullest and was an outgoing, kind and warm soul. She was an amazing mother who taught her daughters to be strong and independent women. She was a loving partner to Butch whom she shared many similar interests including their love of fishing. And she was a fun and compassionate Grandmother, Sister and Friend to so many. In her early years as a mom, she was the Girl Scout leader for her daughters, she took various art and baking classes and grew the most amazing gardens. Flowers were her passion, and roses were her favorite flower. In her first home, she had over 50 rose bushes. She enjoyed golf, participating in various leagues where she eventually met her love, Elliot "Butch" Kindberg. While living in Menomonee Falls, Marilyn loved caring for her twin grandchildren, Lauren and Jake, during the first four years of their lives. She enjoyed taking them to the park and spoiling them with Happy Meals. She and Butch loved having family visit and always enjoyed hosting Christmas gatherings. If you know anything about Marilyn, you know she loved celebrating and decorating for all holidays, especially Christmas. Once in Ocala she continued her love of golf, participated in Seniors for Newborns where she knit hats and blankets for newborns who were in the NICU, served on the board in Oak Bend, and led many of the social events. The social events were her favorite past time: the holiday luncheons, golf cart parades, Olympics, any reason to come together and celebrate with friends. She loved to travel, and took many trips with friends and family, traveling both in the United States and Internationally. Her favorite trip with Butch was to Germany to visit his family. She loved her annual Florida beach vacations with Lisa as she loved the ocean and watching the beautiful sunsets. She also enjoyed her time on Pewaukee Lake on Cheryl's pontoon boat swimming and fishing with Cheryl, Greg and the grandkids. She was loved by many and will be missed.
The family would like to thank Ocala Family Medical, Ocala Oncology, Advent Health Hospital and E.W. & Lucille Cates House Hospice for her care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Marilyn to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org. Roberts of Ocala funeral home is serving the family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Oak Bend Community Center 10620 SW 27th Avenue, Ocala, FL. The family will greet visitors beginning at 11:30 a.m. a time to share stories, followed by a luncheon in honor of Marilyn beginning at 12:00 p.m.