Marilyn Elizabeth Enz

Marilyn Elizabeth (Kuhlman) Enz, age 87, a longtime resident of Lake Forest, Illinois passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 10, 2024. Marilyn was born in Toledo, Ohio on June 2, 1936, the only child of Alfred Bernhard and Elizabeth (Cooke) Kuhlman. Marilyn was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Sterling Wilson, and her grandson, Trent Wilson. Marilyn is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Lee Enz, and their loving daughters Lauren Enz Wilson Kerr (William) and Carolyn Enz Kyritz (Edward). Grandchildren Grant Wilson (Kimberly), Kendall Kyritz Griffin (Conor), Courtney Kyritz, Thomas Kyritz and great granddaughter, Mary-Sterling Wilson. Marilyn was raised in Sylvania, Ohio and attended Burnham High School. She graduated from Northwestern University class of 1958, pursuing a career in elementary education. Marilyn was a member of Delta Gamma sorority, where she forged everlasting bonds. Shortly after arriving at the university, Marilyn met her future husband, Lee Enz, who became the love of her life. The two were married following graduation in 1958 and friendships made at Northwestern were a lifetime source of laughter and joy. Marilyn taught elementary education on the North Shore of Chicago, in Baltimore, Maryland and in Lincoln, Nebraska. Most important to Marilyn was her role as wife, mother and grandmother. She treasured her family and embraced every moment spent with them. Beach vacations in Naples, Florida and Christmases in Angel Fire, New Mexico and Aspen, Colorado surrounded by family provided a tremendous source of joy. Gardening also brought her much pleasure. She turned every corner of her yard into a flower patch, planting and trying out new varieties. In 1963, Marilyn and a Northwestern friend founded the Northwest Suburban Book and Garden Club in Evanston, Illinois. It was for young mothers who wanted to learn about gardening. It still meets today after 60 plus years. Travel was also a big part of Marilyn’s life. There was always a plan underway and luggage ready. Lee’s business took him across country and often across the ocean, and at one point they lived in Germany for three years. They traveled to many European countries, tracing family roots and enjoying the historic sites. When Lee’s career took them to new places, Marilyn found volunteer interests and made new friends with each move. In Fort Wayne, Indiana she worked with Amish children at Lutheran Hospital. She helped at an orphanage in Carbondale, Colorado. She volunteered for 12 years at Lake Forest Hospital and was the recipient of one of the North Shore Service Awards in Illinois. Marilyn loved the beach and along with Lee, spent many hours at Lake Forest Beach, walking and enjoying the view on a bench near their favorite elm tree. This memory, along with many others, will be held close to our hearts. Marilyn’s family is forever grateful to have had such a kind and loving spouse, parent and “Nana” in their lives. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, 700 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045. The service will be livestreamed at https://firstchurchlf.online.church/ Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Heritage Sylvania, 5717 Main Street, Sylvania, Ohio 43560 or online at www.heritagesylvania.org (history museum and childhood home of Marilyn and her parents, Alfred and Elizabeth Kuhlman) or a charity of your choice.

Marilyn Elizabeth Enz

June 2, 1936 - March 10, 2024