Marilyn Jean (Hornbeck) Degler

Marilyn Jean Degler, 92, of Defiance, left her earthly trials to claim her eternal inheritance in Christ Jesus on Friday, January 12, 2023, at The Laurels of Defiance.
She was born on December 4, 1931, as the only child of James E. and Flora A. (Delius) Hornbeck in Huron County, Ohio, and spent her childhood among an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins near her grandfather’s family farm in Erie County, Ohio. She was a 1950 graduate of Sandusky High School after which she attended the St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Toledo. Her program of study included courses at the University of Toledo. While in training, she became friends with classmate Marjorie (Peters) Grossheim from Defiance, who introduced Marilyn to her neighbor across the road, Daniel Degler, the son of Willis and Hildegard (Orthwein) Degler. Marilyn and Dan were married on April 23, 1955, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Union Corners, near Sandusky, Ohio.
Marilyn was a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, rural Defiance, where she was in the Ladies’ Aid Society and also taught Sunday School. She worked as a registered nurse (RN) at General Motors in Defiance for over 45 years, until the age of 71. She served as a board member of the American Red Cross in Defiance. She and Dan were members of the Ridge Runners Farm Bureau Council for almost 50 years. She and Dan enjoyed camping, gardening, and traveling with the Northwestern Aires Barbershop Chorus. They spent 25 winters in Arizona where they met many good friends and loved to play cards.
Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Lynne (Dennis) Hall of Marysville, Ohio, son David (Karen) Degler of Defiance, granddaughter Hillary (John Bauchmoyer) Hall of Dublin, Ohio and great granddaughters Charlotte and Georgia Bauchmoyer. She was preceded in death by her husband Daniel and her parents.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 22 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Lutheran Church on Tuesday, January 23, with Rev. William Stottlemyer officiating. Burial will follow the service at St. Stephen Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to St. Stephen Lutheran Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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