Marilyn Storm, 84, of Rhinelander, passed away peacefully on Dec. 10, 2022 after a brief battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time she passed.
Marilyn was born on July 20, 1938 to Anna Paul, a Czechoslovakian immigrant who wanted her to have the life Anna was unable to offer at the time. She was adopted by Dr. Thaddeus Weclew and his wife Marguerite, in Chicago, Ill. After attending William H. Taft High School, Marilyn went on to graduate from Lake Forest College with a B.S. degree. She then earned her M.A. in education from DePaul University in Chicago.
After graduation, Marilyn began her teaching career at Salmon P. Chase Elementary School. In 1975 she relocated to Rhinelander where she spent 37 years teaching for the Rhinelander school district. She was extremely passionate about education and had a genuine love for her students. She was fondly referred to as "the fish lady" for often wearing fish-themed necklaces or jewelry. Students may also remember Mrs. Storm for her trivia questions and Chiclet gum for treats.
In 1962 Marilyn married the late David Dootson and had 6 children: Deidre, Susan, Elizabeth, Mary Lynn, Katherine and Teddy. In 1975 she relocated to Rhinelander. It was there she met and married Vernon Storm. Together they had one son, Jonathan.
Outside of teaching, Marilyn was a member of the GFWC, the Lake Thompson Association, and helped fundraise for numerous charities in both Chicago and Rhinelander. She had a passion for and excelled at planning and hosting events; she was always ready with a joke or funny anecdote; and she enjoyed staying on top of current events as well as keeping her large family organized (which was no easy task).
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Vernon Storm; her seven children, Deidre, Elizabeth, Susan, Mary Lynn, Katherine, Ted and Jonathan; four stepchildren, Sheila, Anita, Carla and Patti; 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made at: https://gofund.me/e8c38f89. Donations will be directed to a scholarship fund in Marilyn's name.
Visitation for Marilyn was held from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 at the Carlson Funeral Home. Visitation will also be held from 10 to 11 a.m. with funeral services following at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Reverend Karl Schultz will officiate the services.
Entombment will be in the Northland Garden Mausoleum. You may leave your private condolences for the Storm family at www.carlsonfh.com.
The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Storm family.
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