Obituaries & Guestbook

“I have to go”…

Marion was called to her heavenly home during the evening of March 16, 2024, at the age of 85. As she wished, she was in the comfort of her own home, with her husband by her side. She bravely fought her battle with cancer for almost 3 years until God said it was time, but before she left, she woke her husband to tell him “I have to go” and they held onto each other as she stared upward and took her last breath.

Marion was that little classy lady with the big blonde hair. Her outfits coordinated perfectly and she had accessories and hats to match everything. She even made sure that her husband matched whatever she was wearing! You could see her walking, walking, walking around town (or in past years at the mall) and she would be sure to greet you with a smile and a friendly hello.

Her heart was so generous, always caring and giving. She loved her Lord and Savior, and her family and friends. She also loved walking and shopping and her job at Piggly Wiggly where she was employed for over 47 years and worked full-time until the age of 83 when she became ill. She was proud to say she only missed half day of work in all those years.
She truly enjoyed people and socializing. She loved parades and could be found “marching” alongside of the band during the summer parades in Sheboygan all decked out in her red, white, and blue outfits.

Marion was born in Sheboygan on April 15, 1938, to Fred and Marta Reitz. She attended local schools and still talked about her high school days at North High when she was a cheerleader.

She was united in marriage on July 27, 1957, to Jack P. Pfister and was blessed with two daughters, Terry and Kelly and a schnauzer named Sammy. After 35 years of marriage, her first husband sadly passed in 1992, and although she had no plans on ever dating again, she met Tom Pilgrim who won her heart and they were united in marriage on October 22, 2000, and shared 23 years together. She was definitely lucky in love and had two amazing husbands who absolutely adored her. Marrying Tom also brought more family and love to her life with his two sons Tim and Gary and their families.

Marion is survived by her husband Tom Pilgrim, her daughters Terry Ourada (Jeff) and Kelly Pfister-Portenier (Jerry). Grandchildren Alex Ourada, Jack, Grant and Grace Portenier. Her stepsons Tim Pilgrim (Susan) and Gary Beaudoin (Darlene) and grandchildren Kayleigh and Teague Pilgrim, and Samantha, Mitchell and Michael Beaudoin, her sister, Helen Tews, and sister-in-law Victoria Reinl and families. Marion is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents Fred and Marta Reitz, her first husband, Jack Pfister, grandchild Jonah Portenier, sister-in-law Audrey Bacon, brothers-in-law Elmer Bacon and Donald Tews and nephew Larry Tews.

Marion was a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. A Christian celebration for Marion will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday March 25, 2024, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1121 Georgia Ave. in Sheboygan. Pastor Patrick Niles will officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment will follow the service at the Lutheran Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Marion’s name for Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Marion was treated with love, kindness and respect by all who took part in her care, especially her husband Tom who showed her tremendous love and support.

A special thank you to the staff at Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic for their care and compassion.