Marilyn J. Retzer, 93, of Jacksonville, IL, died Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehab.

She was born May 18, 1930, in Waverly, the daughter of Lee Otis and Lucille (Delong) Stewart. She married Gene A. Retzer on July 15, 1950, in Murrayville, and he preceded her in death on March 5, 2019.

Together they raised five children, including Stephen (Debbie) Retzer of Jacksonville, Daniel (Connie) Retzer of Rockford, and Susan (Bob) Mickey of Belvidere. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Sarah (Jackson) Lashmett of Winchester, Angela (Darrell) Turner of Jacksonville, Allison Retzer of Tallahassee, FL, Caitlin Retzer and Samuel Retzer, both of Rockford; four great granddaughters; two great grandsons, one great-great grandson and one great-great grandson on the way; and one sister. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons, Orville and Kenny Venable; and three brothers and five sisters.

Marilyn was a devout Christian woman who was always willing to serve. She enjoyed lunches out with Gene at Taco Bell and loved visiting with friends there. She also enjoyed working in her flower garden and sewing. She especially loved spending time with her family and spoiling her grandkids.

A memorial service will be held 3:00PM Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends from 2:00 – 3:00 PM prior to the service. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.