Marilyn Joan "Mary" Anker, age 84, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on September 4, 2024, at her home with her daughter and husband by her side. Marilyn was born on July 14, 1940, at Shawano Municipal Hospital to the late Oden and Ann (Peterson) Lenning. She graduated from Shawano High School and moved to Plymouth, Michigan where she studied at a flight school. Marilyn moved back to Shawano and on June 13, 1959, married Robert A. Olen. She worked as a photographer reporter for the Shawano Leader and worked at Chaimson's Department Store. After a few short years of marriage Robert preceded her in death on April 27, 1962, after a short battle with cancer.

Marilyn, while walking downtown Shawano on her lunch break from Chaimson's Department Store, walked into Schmidt's Taven and met Donald E. Anker, whom she had known for many years prior. They married on June 5, 1971, at Peace United Church of Christ in Shawano. Together they had three beautiful children. She started her career as a CNA at Birch Hill Nursing Home and later worked at Maple Lane Health Care as a CNA in the lock unit with Alzheimer patients until her retirement. Marilyn was an amazing woman, a dedicated wife and mother, and a loving and caring grandmother, who absolutely loved and adored her grandchildren.  She always looked forward to their visits, always offering treats, food, and drinks, they couldn't leave until they had something in hand. Marilyn was a faithful Christian and never missed a Sunday service. She was a former Cub Scout leader, member of the American Legion Auxiliary and taught Sunday School at Peace United Church of Christ. Marilyn later became a member of Zion Lutheran Church.

If you came to visit Marilyn you could guarantee she'd be watching a good Hallmark movie, watching a true crime show, cop show or watching her beloved Green Bay Packers or any football game. Marilyn's presence brought light and joy to everyone who knew her. She was a wonderful light of kindness, generosity, softness and strength. A heart of gold with so much warmth, her arms and door always open. Marilyn was so full of love, and she will be deeply missed by the ones she touched most.

Left to cherish Marilyn's memory are her husband of 53 years, Donald; daughters, Teresa (Jude) Wachtel and Tammy (Steve) Pleshek; daughter-in-law, Michelle Anker; grandchildren, Abbygail Wachtel, Ava Wachtel, Alexis Wachtel, Amelia Wachtel, Jeremy (Mara Clasen) Pleshek, Steven (Bree) Pleshek, Jr., Levi Anker, Ethan (Azul Pantoja) Anker, Noah Anker, Naomi (fiancé, Devin Waranke) Anker and Lisa Joelle; and many great-grandchildren. She is further survived by a niece, Kelly Hammill, other relatives and friends.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Olen; parents, Oden and Ann; sister, Patsy Piechocki; son, Troy Anker; and grandson, Brandon Anker.

Private family services will be held.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heartland Hospice staff, Nicki Meyers-RN, Joy Griffin-CNA, and Chaplain Karen. Nicki, the compassion and love you had for our mother is something we will treasure forever. Additional thanks to Nancy Schultz from Zion Lutheran Church for the prayers and visits.