Marlyn Charles Teetzen, age 86, of Shawano, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026. Marlyn was born in Shawano on April 4, 1939, the son of the late Charles and Elsie (Wendorf) Teetzen. Marlyn was a lifelong member of St. Jakobi Lutheran Church, where he was baptized on May 4th, 1939, and later confirmed his faith on May 24th, 1953.

Marlyn grew up on the family farm, attending the Forrest School in the Town of Richmond and graduating from Shawano High School in 1957. Having met at a local bowling alley, Marlyn found his soulmate and on August 18, 1962, he was united in marriage to Kathryn "Kathy" Blonde at St. Paul Stony Hill Lutheran Church, Shawano. The marriage was blessed with three children, a daughter, Terri and two sons, Timothy and Thomas. They celebrated 57 years of marriage together, before Kathy's passing on April 11, 2020. They enjoyed spending time at Kathy's sister and brother-in-law's home on Crane Lake. In retirement, they were able to expand their travels. In particular, they ventured to many east coast states with Kathy's basket making group, making wonderful, lifelong friendships.

Following high school graduation, Marlyn helped on the family farm with his father and brother and worked at the Kriewaldt Cheese Factory. In 1963, Marlyn started a 42-year career in the paper industry. Beginning his career at the Shawano Paper Mill, where he worked for almost 30 years, at which time he was given the opportunity to further his career elsewhere. Marlyn joined Cellu Tissue/Coastal Paper in Wiggins, Mississippi, in January of 1994. His sales territory covered the Midwest; allowing the family to remain in Shawano. In 2006, he was blessed to retire and spend more time with Kathy.

Marlyn led by example with a lifelong focus on his Christian faith and service. Over the years, he had served as Congregational Secretary, several terms as President, Vice President, and several terms on the Board of Elders. He participated on three building committees, with a highlight being the constructions of the new house of worship in 2006. A regular participant in other committees and bible studies, he was well known throughout the congregation and a willing historian for those with questions. His strong faith served him over the years through the care of his late wife as well as his own health in later years. He often commented on the many blessings in his life.

Marlyn is survived by his children, Terri Teetzen, Oro Valley, AZ; Timothy Teetzen, Shawano, WI; and Thomas (Stacey) Teetzen, Green Bay, WI; step grandchildren, Ryan Bartz, Briana Bartz and Allison Bartz; sister, Ruth Korth; brother, Merle Teetzen; sister-in-law, Shirley Teetzen; and brother-in-law, Carl Nelson. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Marlyn is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Teetzen; brothers, Alfred (Shirley) Teetzen, Curtis (Carol) Teetzen and Willis Teetzen; brothers-in-law, Irving Korth and Merlyn "Butch" (Gloria) Blonde; and sisters-in-law, Shirley Redwine, Beverly (Frank) Miller and Mildred "Millie" Nelson.

A memorial service for Marlyn will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 19, 2026, at St. Jakobi Lutheran Church with Pastor Travis Kleinschmidt officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Swedberg Funeral Home Shawano starting at 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm; then again on Monday at the church from 9:30 am until the time of service. Inurnment will be held at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Marlyn requested that memorials be directed to St. Jakobi Lutheran Church.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the ThedaCare At Home Hospice team, including Sabrina, Heather and Lana, for their support and care during this time.