Marilyn June (Olson) Wise, 79

November 04, 2024

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

Born and raised in Genoa, Nebraska, 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 and pursued a career in education, starting in Grinnell, IA, before moving to Texas in the early 1970s. A loving wife, she 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 B.A. in Education from Kearney State College, Kearney, NE. While working as an educator, she continued her academic career, earning a B.A. in Marketing from North Texas State University, Denton, TX, and later her master’s in education from Stephen F. Austin University, Nacogdoches, TX.

A dedicated educator, Marilyn taught high school Marketing, English, and Distributed Education (D.E.) and led 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 a talented cook who enjoyed sharing her knowledge and creations with family and friends. The daughter of a farmer, Marilyn 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 by planning memorable camping trips, visiting national parks with her family, and training the family dog, Hunter, to be an honorary national park ranger in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

She especially loved her grandchildren and was an ardent and gracious 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 her work 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, OH, was a testament to her generous spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She 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.

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

Celebration of Life and her interment will be held privately in Nebraska in May 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or ASPCA in Marilyn’s honor are welcomed.