Obituaries

Marilyn T. Raffel, age 89, passed away at home surrounded by her family, on July 2nd, 2024. She was born August 27th, 1934 to Theodore and Regina (Haag) Statz of Mt. Horeb, and graduated from Edgewood High School.

Marilyn took immense pride in her beautiful family and enjoyed having them all together. She loved watching her kids and grandkids at school and sporting events. Marilyn was known for her cooking and baking, especially during Christmas time, having to hide her delicious treats from her husband, John. She was also famous for her German potato salad, a staple at family gatherings. She played bridge and many other card games with her close friends at places across East Madison. She spent many holidays decorating St. Bernard Catholic Church in the 70s and 80s.

She took care of many children in her Maple Avenue home through the years and was affectionately called "Ma Raf" by many of her children’s friends. She loved to work with her hands through needlepoint, creating handmade ornaments, and rearranging the living room. Golf was also a big part of her life and she had a signature slow, deliberate backswing that brought her two hole-in-ones.

Marilyn is survived by her children Jill (Mike) Lehmann of Trego, WI; John “Jack” (Theresa) Raffel of Raytown, MO; Joe Raffel of Madison; Jim Raffel of Madison; Jerry (Teresa) Raffel of Middleton; Jeff (Gina Krueger) Raffel of Trego, WI; and Jason (Christine) Raffel of Cottage Grove. She is further survived by her sister, Isabel Perry; 15 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Raffel; her son, Jay Raffel; her parents, Theodore and Regina Statz; her siblings; Roselyn Buzzell, Ted Statz, and Elizabeth Ryser; and great-grandaughter Myah Ann Lehmann.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations to Rainbow Community Care, 147 W Rockwell St., Jefferson, WI 53549, www.rainbowcommunitycare.org, or the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org, in memory of Marilyn.

Special thank you to the nurses and staff at Hyland Campus in Sun Prairie and Rainbow Community Care who loved Marilyn like family.

Marilyn’s humor, quick wit, honesty, and tight hugs were never diminished by her dementia.

A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00pm, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison WI, 53704. A visitation will take place at the funeral home from 3:00pm until the time of the service. A gathering will follow at the VFW Post 8483, 5737 County Hwy CV #6169, Madison, WI 53704.

“I love you”, “Thank you”.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257