Marlene A. "Molly" Pilsner

Marlene "Molly" Pilsner, 93, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, in the early morning at Edgewater Haven Nursing Home in Port Edwards, WI.
Molly was born on February 15, 1932, at her family home in Oak Grove Township outside of Prescott, WI. She attended a one-room schoolhouse about a mile's walk from her home. The walk was cold in winter; if they took the sleigh, they would put hot potatoes in their boots to warm their feet. Her parents moved to Prescott after her brothers enlisted in the service. She fondly remembered filling the jelly-filled donuts at the local bakery where she worked.
She married the love of her life, Louis Pilsner, on January 28, 1950. They moved to Wisconsin Rapids, which would become their home. They welcomed four children: Chuck, Judy, Diane, and Steve.
When Molly and Louis retired, they wintered in Zephyrhills, FL, and later in Apache Junction, AZ. Summers were spent camping at Moose Jaw resort. They hosted children and grandchildren-fishing, enjoying campfires, having breakfast at the lodge, and playing Yahtzee and Scrabble.
Louis sadly passed away on July 13, 1997, leaving her widowed. She was incredibly sad but kept going and made beautiful memories. She took a special trip to New York City and saw the 9/11 Twin Towers site, which was very impactful to her. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved Christmas and Fourth of July fireworks. She was a true homemaker and a fabulous cook, always welcoming everyone into her home.
In 2009, she made the decision to move to Renaissance Assisted Living, where she lived for just under 16 years. She became a resident of Edgewater Haven in the spring of 2025, where she enjoyed playing bingo, listening to music, and being read to. Laura Ingalls Wilder was among her favorite reads, bringing back sweet memories of her childhood.
Molly is survived by her children, Chuck (Kaye), Judy, Diane (Dennis) Passineau, and Steve (Trina). She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Corey (Maria) Pilsner, Amy Pilsner, Adam (Reannon) Wiskerchen, Andrew (Sophia) Wiskerchen, Aaron (Erin) Wiskerchen, Abby (Corey) Chilson, Nick (Lauren) Pilsner, and Jessica (fiancé Brett) Pilsner. Her great-grandchildren are Zack, Evan, Isaac, Eleanor, Mackenzy, Henry, Evelyn, Delaney, and Matilda. She has many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Louis Pilsner; her parents, Ruth and Ralph Meier; her brothers, Walter Meier, Rex Meier, Howard Meier, Ralph "Bud" Meier, and one infant brother, Herman; and her sister, Doris Kittleson. She was also predeceased by her brothers-in-law, Alvin Pilsner and Lloyd "Buzz" Barton; and her sisters-in-law, Donna Mae (née Cutmeier) Regner, Jeanette Barton, and Dorothy Pilsner.
We would like to thank Renaissance Assisted Living, Edgewater Haven Nursing Home, and Aspirus Hospice for their extraordinary care.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at First Congregational Church in Wisconsin Rapids, with burial at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00am until the time of service.
Mom loved gardening, so in her honor, we ask that you plant a seed or a tree. She was also an avid recycler, so consider picking trash along the road. Do the simple things, with extraordinary joy, like buying a maple nut ice cream cone or going for a ride in the car with no destination in mind. We will miss her until we meet again.