Marilyn Joan Wrestler Pletcher, 70, of Auburndale, FL., passed away peacefully, with family by her side, August, 21 2014 after a five year battle with cancer. A memorial service in her honor will be held Saturday October 11, 2014 at 4 p.m. in the afternoon. The service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 316 Lake Ariana Blvd., Auburndale, FL.
Marilyn was born Sept. 6, 1943, in Hartford City, IN., a daughter of Frank and Nellie Lucinda (Mannix) Wrestler. Her parents preceded her in death.
She is survived by her husband Thomas Pletcher of Auburndale, FL, daughter Andrea (James) Fowler of Marietta, GA, son Douglas Chambers of Auburndale, FL, step-son Brian (Andy) Pletcher of Thousand Oaks, CA, step-daughter Dr. Sarah Pletcher of Hanover, NH, brother Dr. Frank Allen (Sara) Wrestler of Belflower, IL. Three grandchildren (Evan, Anna & Samuel) and four step-grandchildren (Savvy, Spencer, Henry & Irene) also survive her. She also leaves behind many special friends.
Marilyn grew up on the Wrestler family centennial farm in Hartford City, Indiana along with her older brother and parents. She received her bachelors and later her masters degree in education from Ball State University. She taught elementary school in both Marion and Indianapolis, Indiana before relocating to Grand Rapids, MI. In Michigan she worked at Grand Valley University and later went on to become a Trust Officer and Vice President of the Trust Department at Old Kent Bank in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Marilyn had a life-long interest in health and fitness. She was a runner and ran in the Old Kent Bank River Run (25k) several times. Though she dabbled in other activities, her life long love was tennis. Over the years Marilyn had the opportunity to compete and play on various teams and leagues, both in MI and in FL. In Florida she played on teams in Auburndale and Lakeland and was on a USTA league that won regionals and advanced to nationals in 2009.
Marilyn had a ten year marriage to Jim Chambers of Marion, Indiana with whom she had two children. She remained single for about 15 years and married Thomas Pletcher of Montague, MI in 1990. Together, they had many travel adventures which included four trips to Australia, flying their Lake Amphibian Sea plane over the arctic circle, visiting Asia, England and other countries. In 1996 Marilyn got her pilot's license and seaplane rating.
Groups Marilyn was involved with:
Stock Sisters
UMC "Connect" group that met weekly
Volunteer Work:
Good Shepherd Hospice
UMC church office, every Wednesday
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