Elna `Marilyn` Quale

Elna “Marilyn” Quale, age 96, of Baraboo, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025 surrounded by family. 

Marilyn, daughter of Mauritz and Ella (Anderson) Nelson was born in Manistique, Michigan on April 25, 1929. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned a degree in English and met her future husband, Glenn R. Quale. After graduation, she taught English for a short while in Wausau before returning to Baraboo for her marriage to Glenn on February 9, 1952. Together, Marilyn and Glenn raised five children.  

Marilyn was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was a charter member of both the Baraboo Country Club and the philanthropic organization P.E.O.-Chapter BR, as well as a member of American Association of University Women. 

In her free time, Marilyn enjoyed traveling with her husband, cooking, sewing, knitting, reading, golfing and playing bridge. She frequently hosted family gatherings, always had a tray of hors d’oeuvres on hand and never missed an opportunity to watch sports. The Badgers and the Packers were her favorite teams.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Terry (Richard) Wolkowski of Baraboo, Margy Quale of Mt. Horeb, Laura (Russ) Fenske of Baraboo and Tom (Audrey) Quale of Sarasota, FL; 12 grandchildren, Drew Bergquist, Karmen (Doug) Wielunski, Angela (Ryan) Larson,

Emily (Peter) Jantz, Elizabeth (Brent) Parker, Nick (fiancée Kat) Acker, Meggie (Ryan) Albert, Brenden (fiancée Nicki) Fenske, Tyler Fenske, Chelsea Fenske, Savanna (Jacob) Simon and Ben Quale. She is further survived by her sister, Karen (Gene) Putz and  numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glenn; son, Andy Quale; sister, Pat (Gene) Hageman and her brother, Cliff (Bobbie) Nelson.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church in Baraboo. The service will be streamed on “Baraboo First United Methodist Church” Facebook page. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 12 noon until the time of service. Private burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Baraboo. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Carnegie-Schadde Memorial Public Library in Marilyn’s name.

Marilyn’s family would like to extend special thanks to the St. Clare Hospice House staff for the exemplary care and compassion they provided to her.