Marian I. Coates

LAKE MILLS, Wis. - Marian I. (nee Traxler) Coates, of Lake Mills, died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 24, 2023, at her home.

She was born on March 11, 1942, in Whitewater, the daughter of Chester and Elva (Klug) Traxler.

Marian married Gary Coates Oct. 22, 1958, at The Little Brown Church in the Vale, in Nashua, Iowa. They celebrated their 50th anniversary prior to his passing Nov. 17, 2008.

In the mid 70s they moved the family to the Northwoods where they purchased Pine Haven Resort on Mercer Lake.

She also had a Real Estate business called Seven "C's" Realty, and started her own business, Coates Tax Service & Bookkeeping and ran it successfully for more than 40 years until her retirement 10 years ago.

She loved all things nature, even when she went deer hunting she would rather shoot her camera than a gun. She always loved to go for a ride looking at the scenery and wildlife. She also loved the Green Bay Packers and loved to watch Brett Favre play.

Her real place for serenity was at the lake home in Mercer, where her family vacationed for many years. Marian was most proud of her family and adored each and every one of them.

She will be deeply missed by her friends of many years and the people who knew her well. She had a kind loving spirit and open heart.

She is survived by her daughters, Becky (Dusty) Weber, Lake Mills, Jody (Jeff) Blaser, Wild Rose, Amy (John Trader) Coates, Jefferson; son-in-law, Rod VanSchyndel, Kiel; grandchildren, David (Mandy) Fancher, Jeffrey (Sara Imig) Fancher, Corey (Maren) McGrath, Debbie Weber, Steven (Carly) Smith, Lillian (Eric) Kanios, Brandon (Sarah) Pautz, Lisa (Nathan) Homann, Elizabeth (Brandon) Hans, Madison and Payton Wisley, Brennan and Brian Trader, Joshua (Tab) Blaser, Deadra (Paul) Ramirez, Marcus (Tabatha) Blaser, Cheri Blaser, Mishall Blaser and Shawn (Ray) Medrano; great-grandchildren, Desiree, Daija, Dexter, Landon, Noah, Sammy Jo, Marcus, Jameson, Aubrey, Bennett, Reilly, Sophie, Ramon, Renee (Jesse), Jaxom, Sophia, Phillip, Anthony, Dylan, Pablo, Oscar, Felix, Hespera, Hailey, Daniel, Taiton, Mia, Lily, Josephine, Jacob and Emberlynn; brothers, Chuck, Fred and Bruce (Joyce) Traxler; brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Betty) Coates; and many other extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Jeffrey Coates; daughter, Debbra VanSchyndel; grandson, Wyatt Wisley; and sister, Shirlene Meyer.

"Think of me when you see a rainbow or a covered bridge."

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023 at the Lake Mills United Methodist Church. Friends gathered at the church beforehand to pay their respects.

Interment will be held at a later date at the Mercer Cemetery in Mercer.

Memorials may be made to Rainbow Hospice Care, Inc.

The Claussen Funeral Home of Lake Mills was in charge of arrangements. For more information, visit claussenfuneralhome.com.