Marianne Kolins, of Grafton, Wisconsin, went to her heavenly home on the morning of September 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Marianne was born on February 2, 1935, to Lester and Emelie (Stoviak) Prillwitz. She was married twice before, and on December 21, 1971, she was united in marriage to James Kolins.

Family was at the heart of Marianne’s life. She was devoted to her loved ones and cherished every opportunity to spend time together. She especially treasured the holidays, when she could gather with family and enjoy the warmth and traditions of the season.

Marianne was also known for the love she put into her cooking and baking. She had several dishes that became family favorites, but her cheesecake and apple pie was especially famous. Whenever there was a family gathering or party, someone was sure to request her cheesecake. It became a beloved tradition and one more way Marianne showed her love for the people around her.

Marianne had a deep love for animals, especially her beloved cats. She was also known for feeding the wildlife that visited her home, making sure that any creature that wandered her way was well cared for. She found great joy in tending to her garden and took pride in her beautiful flowers.

An avid reader, Marianne also enjoyed going to the movies and traveling whenever the opportunity arose with her children. Some of her fondest memories were road trips with her parents to visit her brother while he was stationed in the military. She treasured the adventures, the time with family, and the memories made along the way.

Marianne had a wonderful appreciation for life’s moments, big and small. No matter what she was doing or who she was with, she was sure to take plenty of photographs to preserve the memories. And, true to her style, she always made sure she was looking her absolute best.

Marianne is survived by her children, Rosemarie (the late James) Nieznanski, Adrianne (Dan) Waters-Fechter, Joe (Natalie) Kolins, and Jason (Angela) Kolins; grandchildren Anna (Steve) Prusinski, Casey Nieznanski, Brianne Fechter, Danny (Ashley) Fechter, Julianne Fechter, Jocelyn Kolins, Joseph Kolins, and McKinley Kolins; step-grandchildren Katherine (Andy) Daugherty, Kim (Nathan) Koller, Avery Peterson, Chase Peterson, and August Landreville; great-grandchildren Claire Prusinski, Henry Nieznanski, Zeke Prusinski, Brooklynn Fechter, Gavin Hillberry, and Beau Fechter; step-great-grandchildren April Koller, Noah Daugherty, Charlotte Koller; her brother Bob (Georgiana) Prillwitz, and her sister Connie (Dave) Stout. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Emelie (Stoviak) Prillwitz, her sons Daniel Twete and John Kolins, and her stepson, Jeffrey (Martha) Kolins.

Marianne will be remembered for her devotion to family, her love of animals and nature, her beautiful flowers, her enjoyment of travel and the holidays, and, of course, the special dishes that brought everyone to the table. Above all, she will be remembered for the love she gave so freely and the many cherished memories she created with those she loved. She leaves behind a lifetime of love that will remain in the hearts of her family and friends.

Per Marianne’s wishes, private services will be held.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband, James, and her son John, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Grafton.