On February 25, 2018, heaven gained another angel as Marilyn Brickbauer, age 69, entered her eternal resting place after a courageous battle with cancer.  Marilyn was dearly loved by her husband Tom, children Sarah (Ryan) Arnold and Todd (Jennifer) Brickbauer, grandchildren, Tyson Arnold, Aliyah Arnold, and Jeremiah Krahn, brother Ronald Schreiber, sister-in-law Lois (Ron) Roehl, aunts Marlene (Arno) Koeser and Carol (Eugene) Maeuser, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and so very many special and caring friends. She was preceded in death by her parents (Melvin and Lucille Schreiber), brother (Marvin Schreiber), sister-in-law (Joyce Schreiber), and nephew (Derek Schreiber).
Marilyn was born on February 15, 1949 and raised in the town of Schleswig, the daughter of the late Melvin E. and Lucille E. (Koppelmann) Schreiber. She graduated from Kiel High School in 1967, and married Tom Brickbauer on July 24, 1971. Marilyn then worked at Kohler Company in the personnel department for 10 years, before dedicating the next years to raising her family.  She then worked at Kiel Middle School for over 20 years, first as a special education aide and then as the school secretary before retiring in June of 2013.
Throughout her life, Marilyn enjoyed being actively involved as a leader and volunteer.  Her gentle and positive approach to life was magnetic, contagious and inspiring. She was active in her church, serving on several committees (Consistory, Memorial Fund, Decorating Committee), being a choir member for the majority of her life, and being the Building Fund Treasurer.  She was president of the Kiel Jaycettes, Jaycee Women, and Jaycees and then became an active member of the JCI Senate (a distinguished honor for retired Jaycees), both regionally and nationally.  She loved to travel the United States with her friends from the JCI Senate and belonged to the Red Hat Club of the JCI's. Marilyn also enjoyed her card clubs that she had been a part of for over 40 years. Going to car shows with Tom and belonging to the Summer Knights Car Club was another source of joy for Marilyn. She always cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  In quiet moments, she found simple pleasures in reading, doing crossword puzzles, and listening to music while surrounded by her collection of teddy bears.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Bethlehem UCC (11608 Lax Chapel Road, Schleswig) with Rev. Rebecca Johnston and Pastor Randy Koppenhaver co-officiating. Burial will follow at Kiel City Cemetery.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home (815 6th St, Kiel) from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm and will continue on Thursday at Church from 9:00 am until 10:45 am.
A Memorial fund has been established in her name.
The family expresses a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Sharon Richardson Hospice for their compassionate care. Tom would like to also extend a sincere thank you to family and friends for the gracious time they took out of their busy lives to help with the trips to St. Luke's over the past few months.