Marilyn Doornink Obituary

Marilyn Louise Doornink, 81, was called to her heavenly home on July 4, 2025, at ThedaCare Medical Center-Neenah with family by her side.

Marilyn was born June 11, 1944, in Kenosha, WI, to Clarence and Hazel Martell. She was raised with a love for growing plants, vegetables and flowers. As a child, her days were spent helping with the family roadside vegetable farm stand alongside her sister and brother. The days were long, but the work was rewarding. She was also very involved in 4-H growing up, and was a club and project leader well into her adult years.

After graduating from Salem Central High School in Paddock Lake, WI, in 1962, she attended UW-Madison, majoring in Home Economics Education. During her first year at Madison, Marilyn met a very handsome farmer from St. Croix County. Although she said that she would never marry a farmer, the Lord had other plans for her. On August 20, 1966, she was united in marriage to James Doornink. Jim and Marilyn moved to Baldwin, WI, to help run the Doornink family farm. Over the next 58 years in Baldwin, Marilyn raised her family, helped on the farm, and built a community of friends and family. Very memorable vacation trips with Jim were made to Costa Rica, Arizona, Florida, and a special trip to Alaska to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Jim preceded her in death on April 21, 2024. She moved to Clintonville, WI, in October 2024 to be near her family. She passed from complications after a stroke.

Marilyn was a proud mother to Jill and Mark. She was often seen cheering them on during their volleyball or hockey games. She was also very proud of her thirteen grandchildren and loved to watch them dance, play football and baseball, enjoy a musical, or just being in their presence teaching them about baking, gardening, caring for their plants and flowers, or playing a game of cards. One of her greatest joys was recently being promoted to G-ma when her five great-grandchildren started to arrive. Her love for them was unmistakable when she held them on her lap or fed them bunny crackers at her kitchen table.

Marilyn loved to grow things – be it flowers, houseplants, or vegetables – it didn’t matter to her. She was a member of the Botany Belles and Beaus Garden Club for 55 years, as well as the St. Croix Valley Master Gardeners Association. If someone needed advice about gardening, Marilyn was the person to ask. She especially loved pansies.

Her faith in God was very important to her. Marilyn was very involved in various Bible studies and Women’s Ministry at First Reformed Church in Baldwin, where she was a member for 58 years. Jim and Marilyn also had the privilege and experience of sharing the love of Jesus while on two mission trips to Malawi and Mozambique, and six trips to Haiti, which were life-changing to them. They were also able to take part in mission trips to southern Texas a few times.

Her family and friends are at peace knowing that she was greeted by Jesus and the love of her life, Jim, when she entered the gates of Heaven.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Jill (Patrick) and Mark (Joanne); grandchildren, Turner (Jade), Jaden (Greta), Sarah (Derek), Keenan (Savannah), Tessa, Anna, Isaac (fiancée Maddie), Grace, Rebekah, Elijah, Noah, Rachel, and Jonathan; great-grandchildren, JP, Cal, Linnea, Josie, Charlie and another blessing on the way; and siblings, Ardys (Ronald) Robers, and Larry (Arlene) Martell.

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents, Clarence and Hazel.