May 31, 1951 – March 23, 2026
Marilyn E. Morton, 74, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026, at home, with her loving family by her side.
Born in Kenosha on May 31, 1951, she was the daughter of the late George and Helen (Brittle) Vogler.
Nothing gave Marilyn more joy than her family. She often said how blessed she felt to have her two sisters, Linnea and Liz, both angels on earth, and her countless cousins, nieces, and nephews, whom she couldn’t love more. Marilyn also had many close friends or chosen family she adored, not blood related, but family to her, nonetheless. Her greatest successes were her children. She was lucky to be a best friend and a welcome travel companion to them all. Some of her most special adventures included trips to Ireland and Australia with her daughter Linnea and one of the annual “Momma Palooza” birthday parties thrown in her honor that took them all to Mexico for her 70th. As wonderful a mother she was, Marilyn was an even better Nana. She loved all children, but her grandchildren and the children of her nephews held a special place in her heart. She never missed a chance to support and celebrate them, attending every party, sporting event (always with her famous butter-soaked popcorn), and school play. Marilyn loved brightening people’s days. One of her favorite sayings was, “A little kindness goes a long way,” and she lived by that, always offering a kind word or gesture to family, friends, and strangers alike. There was no limit to her generosity. She always had more than enough love and popsicles to go around. Marilyn was also the life of the party and was always ready to lead any wedding or spontaneous get-together in a rousing rendition of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”.
Marilyn was employed by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, where she was a cook for almost 20 years. She constantly went above and beyond for her coworkers, making them special meals and treats, and the inmates, whom she always treated with kindness and respect, giving them back a sense of humanity they had often lost. The fact that she fed people for her profession is just a reflection of her life, in that she had always wanted to provide for everyone around her. When visiting her home, you would always be instantly offered a cold drink and a warm meal. Marilyn was truly the “hostess with the mostest” and took a lot of pride in that.
Marilyn is survived by her three children, Brian (Erin) Morton of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Helminiak of Jackson, WI, and Linnea (Joseph Kuffel) Morton of Milwaukee, WI; five grandchildren, Addison, Tucker, Tate, Rhody, and Linnea, sisters, Linnea (Mike) Pitts, and Liz Puntillo both of Kenosha, WI, one brother, George Vogler of Evergreen, CO and countless nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dean Morton, and her son, Joseph “Joey” Morton.
Per Marilyn’s wishes, no services were held. She was adamant that she did not want anyone to be sad about her passing, only to celebrate the wonderful life she lived. She was fortunate to have many friends and family visit and share memories and laughter with her in her final days. Her family will host a private celebration of life at a later date.
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