Marilyn Thoms Memorial Fund for Veteran Wellness
Empowering Veterans with Tranquil Spaces

Marilyn Therese (Peterlik) Thoms, resident of Lafayette township, Chippewa County passed from this earthly dwelling on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Marilyn was born on October 5, 1949 in Chippewa Falls to George & Dagmar (Anderson) Peterlik. She grew up in Cadott (Crescent/Drywood area) on a second-generation family farm where she resided with her parents, her paternal grandfather and five brothers. Marilyn attended parochial and public school in Cadott, graduating in 1967. Following high school she attended University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and on a weekend getaway to Butternut, Wisconsin with a friend, Marilyn met her future husband, Ervin "Erv" Thoms Jr.. Erv is a veteran of the US Army.

Marilyn transferred to Chippewa Valley Technical College and received her Associate Degree in Secretarial Science as she and Erv continued their courtship. Marilyn and Erv were married on October 12, 1974 at St. Anthony's Church in Drywood. They resided in Menomonie for a short time while Erv completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. They moved to Eau Claire Wisconsin after Erv's graduation and a Uniroyal employment, where Marilyn started working for the State of Wisconsin Dept. of Revenue and the opportunity to begin her career as a Real Estate Appraiser. Upon Erv taking a new employment position, they relocated to Wausau where Marilyn worked at the Dept. of Transportation in Wisconsin Rapids obtaining several levels of licensing in Appraising and Review before retiring in 2008.

Throughout their years together, Marilyn and Erv maintained many long-lasting relationships with family, classmates, co-workers and friends, and enjoyed yearly camping trips with these cherished people. They enjoyed their travels, taking them to many states, often to warmer climates in the winter months, and many trips to Mexico and Caribbean locations. A number of other international vacations were enjoyed, including a trip Marilyn did with her mother and an aunt to see Norway and spend time with distant cousins there.

Upon retirement, Marilyn and Erv came back to the Chippewa Valley, building their dream retirement home in Lafayette on a beautiful two acres of an old apple orchard, which they nurtured and eventually started their farmer market business, "Our Red Apple Orchard". They enjoyed meeting new and familiar acquaintances during each fall's harvest. Sadly, and shortly after settling into retirement, Marilyn began her battle with breast cancer, which she fought with courage and determination over the past seven years with Erv by her side at every step.

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Marilyn's family wishes to extend a special thank you to her many caregivers at Mayo Hospital and Cancer Center in Eau Claire, and the wonderful staff at Mayo Hospital in Osseo where she spent her final days. Also, a special thanks to all who provided encouragement and love to Marilyn as she fought her battle these past years and lived her life to her fullest through the years of medical care and treatments.

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As avid outdoor enthusiasts who cherished their apple orchard and shared a deep commitment to supporting veterans, Erv is determined to carry forward their shared passion by utilizing atmosphere immersive nature films in their ongoing support for veterans, all in Marilyn's honor.