ULNESS, Marian E., age 85

Died: Friday, December 29th, 2017

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Schulz officiating

Visitation: will be one hour prior to service on Thursday at the church

Interment: Rest Haven Cemetery, Town of Washington, Wisconsin

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Feed My People of Eau Claire

Marian Elaine Ulness, age 85, of Eau Claire died on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire.

Marian was born on February 17, 1932 to the late Clarence and Minnie (Knudtson) Johnson in Chimney Rock, Wis. On September 25, 1954 she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Milford Ulness. In 1955, they moved to Milwaukee where Milford was to begin his career at Telsmith. Soon thereafter came their first born son, Ricky, and four years later, a little girl, Lori. They made a happy life for themselves and their family in Grafton, Wis. by building a townhouse and living on one side. Marian loved being a landlord and was quite savvy in business despite her 8th grade education.

Her pride and joy came in the 80's when her three grandchildren were born. She retired from her job at Leeson as a machine operator to help care for her grandchildren. In 1995, the couple moved to Eau Claire. Her daughter's family followed a couple years later which made her incredibly happy. The coming years were filled with much joy with the birth of each of her five great-grandchildren whom she treasured dearly. There was also much sadness in the deaths of her husband (2005) and two children (2014). Her strong faith held her up through these tough times.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Gail Ulness of West Allis, WI; son-in-law, Mike Nault of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Courtney (Andrew) Paul, Amanda (Ryan) Starks, and Shane Nault; great grandchildren, Jazelle, Kaylee, Chloe, Quinton and Madison; brothers, Norman (Kathy) Johnson, Gerald (June) Johnson, and Larry Johnson; sister, Delores Cleasby; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Marian was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Milford; son, Rick Ulness; daughter, Lori Nault; brothers, Clifford and Donald Johnson; sister, Marilyn Johnson; and brother-in-law, James Cleasby.

The family would like to thank the excellent staff at Mayo Hospital Neurology Department, Mayo Health Home and Hospice and Dove Healthcare for their wonderful care, love and support.