Born on February 2, 1955, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Marilyn's life was marked by a deep love of music, education, and community. She graduated from Waverly High School, Nebraska in 1973, and went on to earn her degree in Music Education from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Her teaching career was spent in elementary music education for Fremont Public Schools.
After retiring from full-time teaching, Marilyn continued to share her musical gifts as an accompanist for both Fremont Middle School and Fremont High School. In addition to being the organist for First Baptist Church and other congregations in Fremont, she also accompanied productions at the Fremont Opera House. She recently joined the staff at SNJ Studios.
On July 30, 1994, Marilyn married Willis M. Pueppke. Willis passed away in 2022.
Marilyn is survived by beloved dog Hershey; treasured friends Reed and Sharon Mattson of Fremont; Evan and Mallory Mattson and their sons, Connor and Oliver, of Olathe, Kansas; Morgan Mattson of Plattsmouth, Nebraska; and Merri Misfeldt of Fremont, Rosie Rhodman of Fremont. She is also remembered fondly by her cousins Donna Bentje (Chuck) of Beatrice, Virginia Metcalf of Wills Point, Texas, and Ed Hall of Hallam, Nebraska.
Her legacy lives on in the music she taught, the lives she touched, and the love she gave so freely.
There will be no viewing but friends can come and sign the book on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel from 3pm to 7pm. In lieu of flowers memorials are strongly suggested to 1st Baptist Church in Fremont, Fremont Opera House (summer youth program), Fremont Public Schools Foundation (Washington School) and FurEver Homes in Fremont. Private burial will be held later. There will be no further services at this time.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(7)
Erin Wiesen
, Thursday, September 25, 2025 I was blessed to take private flute lessons with Marilyn for a while. She was a beautiful soul who challenged me to become a better musician. Heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.Rita Meyer
Fremont, NE Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Marilyn will be a big loss for all. Her smile said so much. I worked with Marilyn at Jcp. What a beautiful, beautiful woman!!!I can just see Marilyn playing playing that large organ before God and all the angels with her huge smile! Rest in peace Marilyn.
My sympathies to all!!
Claire Smutz
Fremont, NE Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Fly high Marilyn! You will be missed by many. Always enjoyed working with you at JCP. Lots of fun memories. You and I never did get those men's shirts folded right. Lol now you can be will Willis again. Back to keeping him in line. RiP Dear!Kristen house
Pensacola, FL Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Marilyn was such an amazing person. She truely made a difference in this world. Not only dud she teach both my children music in school, but I had the pleasure of working with her at JCPenny as well. She will be missed by many.Miranda Schulze
London, Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Mrs. Pueppke was such a positive and supportive influence when I attended FHS. If it was singing in choir, she was there. Her humour, wit and musical guidance as my accompanist in voice and flute are memories I look back at fondly. Sending my condolences to family and friends during this time.Nancy Larsen
Fremont, NE Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Rest in Peace! My condolences to the family.Dawn Landholm
Fremont, NE Wednesday, September 24, 2025 Marilyn was such a talented .giving lady who will be missed greatly. It makes me sad to know she is no longer with us. God must have needed a piano player.