(nee Kaja) Passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2026, age 88 years, at her home built by her and her late husband James. Devoted and loving wife for 64 years of the late James. Loving mother of the late Charles (Cheryl) Herriges, Jane (Michael) Stratton, Jennifer Herriges (Doug Fischer), Christopher (Barb) Herriges, Juliann (Mark) Joerres and Josette (Trevor) O'Neil. Cherished grandma of Dorian (Matt) Medrow, Robert (Jessica) Herriges and Hailey (Michael) Barsch; Zachary (Damji) Stratton, Elijah Stratton and Madeline Stratton; Spencer Fischer; Gina Herriges and Alexander Herriges; Nathan Joerres, Nicole (Michael) Matthiesen, Kyle (Titi) Joerres and David (Sarah) Joerres; Wren O'Neil and Levi O'Neil. Adored great-grandmother of Paige, Hunter, Silas and Rory Medrow; Emmett and Jude Herriges; Etta and Charlie Barsch; Wyatt, Otto and Rowan Matthiesen; Jet and Colt Joerres.

Dear sister of Lawrence (the late Kathleen) Kaja, David (Karen) Kaja. Preceded in death by her siblings Ruth (James) Carlson, Arnold (Arlene) Kaja, James (Virginia) Kaja and Thomas Kaja.
Dear sister-in-law of Carol (Lloyd) Barnes, Christel Herriges and Mary Ann Kaja. Further survived by many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Marianne proudly graduated from Misericordia Nursing School with her RN in nursing. She dedicated her life to caring for others and her compassionate spirit continued to shine as a caregiver for her husband and her family. A gifted seamstress, she showed her love through every stitch. She lovingly created wedding dresses for her daughters, beautiful Baptismal gowns and First Communion dresses for her grandchildren, and countless handmade treasures that reflected her creativity and care. She delighted in sharing her sewing talents at local craft fairs where her handcrafted creations brought joy to many. Her skill with a needle was matched only by the love she poured into everything she made, leaving her family with cherished keepsakes that will be treasured for generations.

Memorial Visitation on Monday, August 3, 2026, 9:30-11:00 AM at St. Veronica Church, 4001 S. Whitnall Ave. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Private inurnment at Southern Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.