Marianne R. Bunge

Marianne Bunge, age 87, of Merrill WI, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on December 8, 2024. She was born August 16, 1937, in Athens WI, to Ervin and Florence (Heidmann) Bunge. She graduated with honors from Merrill High School in 1955. She married Gerald Zastrow on August 17, 1957, with whom she shared five children. They were divorced in 1983. In 1987 she married Roger Kottman; they were divorced in 1997. 

Marianne met her soul mate, James W. Engel, late in life. They met after Jim’s wife passed away and they became fast companions both at the age of 84. They knew many of the same people, never ran out of conversation, and enjoyed holding hands. Jim once shared that after Marianne moved in with him, he loved her so much he was never going to let her go.

Marianne worked as a legal assistant when she wasn't a stay-at-home mom. She was employed for many years by Ralph and Craig Nienow. Marianne also maintained an upholstery shop from 1988 until a few years before her death. For several years she held her realtor’s license. She enjoyed rehabilitating houses and landscaping her properties. Over the years she served as a Pink Lady, worked at her childrens' schools as room mother and librarian, was a foster parent, 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, and served on various church boards. Marianne brought an infectious smile and a positive attitude with her wherever she went.

Marianne is survived by her children: Peggy Zastrow (Julian Blaschka) of Mosinee WI, Steven (Bonnie) Zastrow of Viroqua WI, Jennifer (Joseph) Beach of Aurora CO, and Malorie Zastrow of Knoxville TN, her two granddaughters, Crystal (Gabriel) Mata of Viola WI, and Amber Zastrow of LaCrosse WI, her childrens' father, Gerald (Nancy) Zastrow of Bullhead City AZ, her siblings: Norma Hanke, Alvin Bunge, and Betty (Phil) Zastrow, all of Merrill WI, her stepchildren, Sharon (Hassan) Hejazivand, Kim Bechtal and David (Andrea) Kottman, her stepsisters and stepbrothers, Sally Gruetzmacher, Lila Howlett, Linda King, Jim Barnia, Russell Barnia, Laverne Barnia, and Susan Riemer.

Marianne is predeceased by her son, Jeffrey Zastrow, her second husband, Roger Kottman, her sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Mayward Krueger, a stepbrother, Ken Barnia, a stepdaughter, Cheryl Kottman, and James Engel who pass away four months prior to Marianne.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at the Eagle’s Club in Merrill, WI. All who knew Marianne are welcome to attend and share their stories. The family asks that rather than flowers, memorials be made to the Merrill Food Pantry. Waid Funeral and Cremation Services are assisting the family with the arrangements.