Marilyn E. Welcher

Marilyn peacefully passed away on September 25, 2025, at Kauhale in Otsego, surrounded by her family. Born on December 24, 1938, in Watson Township to Clarence and Edna (Burss) Mahieu, she lived a life dedicated to her family, education, and service.

Marilyn graduated from Martin High School in 1957 and went on to serve the Plainwell Middle School as a secretary for over 40 years until her retirement in 2011.

On September 28, 1963, she married the love of her life, Lloyd Welcher, and they shared a life filled with love and joy until his passing in 1987. In 2007, Marilyn found love again when she married Gerald Fenner, a partnership that lasted until his passing in 2024. April 12, 2012, Marilyn suffered the loss of her son, Mike, a loss she never forgot.

Marilyn enjoyed dancing, bowling, crocheting, and gardening. Her love for shopping was well known among her friends and family alike. She was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church, Gun River Conservation Club, Red Hat Society, and Relay for Life. Marilyn took great pride in founding and managing the Lloyd Welcher Scholarship for over 30 years.

Surviving are her children, Christine (Jon) Campbell and Jeff (Carol) Welcher; daughter-in-law, Stacy Welcher; grandchildren, Dillon (Mandie) Thomas, Devin (Jessie) Thomas, Sydney Welcher, Ryan Welcher, Tyler (Sarah) Welcher, Brandi Welcher, Julee Campbell, and Adam (Hollee) Campbell; great-grandchildren, Blaine and Brett who she had a special bond and could put a smile on her face even in the last few weeks, Baker, Carson, Brennan, Harper and Charlotte and baby Charli Mae due in December; her siblings, Gordon Mahieu and Carolyn Fales along with many nieces and nephews and step-children, Karen, Louise, Jerry and John.

Marilyn was blessed with many wonderful friendships in her lifetime. A very special group “the coffee ladies” brought her great joy with their weekly visits even when her health declined and she was no longer able to fully engage.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; son; brother-in-law, Bob Fales and sister-in-law, Marie Mahieu.

Friends may meet with Marilyn’s family from 1-3 PM and 5-7 PM, Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego. 

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Otsego United Methodist Church with Pastor Dan Minor officiating. 

Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell.

Marilyn’s family would like to thank the staff at Kauhale for their love and care.

Contributions in memory of Marilyn may be directed to Medical Team Hospice or Kauhale of Otsego.

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.