Marilyn Susan (Kapla) Chell, age 83, passed away on Oct. 22, 2026.
Marilyn was born on March 2, 1943, to Ted and Agnes (Wolfe) Kapla on the family farm in Pound, Wisconsin. She graduated from Coleman High School.
Marilyn met Rodney while she was working as a waitress at her family’s restaurant, The Hut, in Pound, Wisconsin, and he was working in road construction. As the story goes, when Rodney was asked what he would like, his answer was reportedly something along the lines of, “That waitress over there!” The rest, as they say, was history. They married on Nov. 2, 1963, sharing nearly 63 years of marriage, building a life and family together.
Marilyn devoted much of her life to caring for her family and creating a welcoming home. She often showed her love through the things she did, especially cooking and baking. Her homemade buns and meatballs were family favorites, and she loved preparing meals for holidays and deer season. Having everyone gathered around the table was one of her greatest joys.
Marilyn enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including reading Western novels, especially those by Louis L’Amour, working on Sudoku puzzles, and catfishing. She loved birds, especially robins and cardinals, and could often be found watching the birds at the many feeders around her home.
Gardening was one of Marilyn’s greatest joys. She spent countless hours working in her many gardens, tending to her beloved rose bushes and growing vegetables to preserve for the months ahead. She canned, froze, pickled, and fermented the harvest, making the most of what she grew.
Marilyn and Rodney had generous hearts for both people and animals. Over the years, they welcomed stray animals into their lives and sometimes opened their home to a child who needed a place to stay. They helped others in their own quiet way, never looking for recognition.
Her home was the setting for many cherished family memories. Her grandchildren remember trying to catch frogs in her pond, running between the snow and the hot tub, and spending time with her on the deck—with Marilyn never far from her trusty flyswatter. These simple moments became treasured memories of time spent together.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Rodney; her children, LeAnn Mulroy, Linda Cook (Dennis), and David (Jillian) Chell; her grandchildren, Haily Mulroy (Mack), Caleb (Rachael) Mulroy, Ethan Cook, McKenna (David) Paydon, and Archer Chell; and her great-grandchildren, Brylee Curtis, Beau and Baker Swatzina, and Gemma and Clara Paydon. She is also survived by her sister, Kathy Porter (Pam); her brother-in-law, Ronald Chell; her sister-in-law, Gloria Chell; many nieces and nephews; and Doreen Denver, Kerry Cook, Mark Mulroy, and Dan Edaburn, who held a special place in her life.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Agnes (Wolfe) Kapla; her father, Ted Kapla; her stepmother, Helen Kapla; her siblings, Paul Kapla, David Murphy, Beverly Guay, Francis Murphy, James Murphy, and Ursulla Kuschel; her father-in-law, Vivian Chell; her mother-in-law, Lillian Chell; and her sister-in-law, Marlys Greely.
In keeping with Marilyn’s wishes for a small, simple gathering, a private family gathering will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marilyn’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Humane Society of Burnett County (donation links attached to her obituary at rowefh.com).
Marilyn loved looking at the sky and watching the clouds drift by. In the days ahead, look to the sky and remember her.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic, 715-327-4475, and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown, nwwicremationcenter.com. You are invited to leave condolences, memories, and photos at rowefh.com.
