Marilyn P. Mutchler

Marilyn P. Mutchler of Bremerton, WA passed away in her sleep in Ferndale, WA on July 23, 2022 at the home of her son. She was 91. Marilyn was born May 7, 1931 in Harvey, ND and graduated from Moorhead High School. She earned her Bachelors of Science Degree from Moorhead State Teaching College and completed her Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill) where she was Phi Beta Kappa. She started her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse alongside her mother Lois Gotschall. Her career spanned six decades and some 2,500 children had the privilege of having Mrs. Mutchler as their classroom teacher. Marilyn had a long and distinguished calling as an elementary school teacher in Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Washington, retiring after three decades of teaching in the Silverdale and Bremerton school districts. The majority of those years were in the kindergarten classroom where she taught two classes of 30 children daily. She was a life-long learner who passed along that passion to her children. Mom loved, supported, and bragged about her children. This single mother attended every recital, concert, symphony, parade, scout meeting, race, ball game, and swim or gymnastics meet. She was also a faithful Mariners and Seahawks fan. Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Thomas and Lois Gotschall (McBride); her brother William Gotschall (Judy); her first husband, Lt. Raymond Henry Palon, Jr. (who died in a 1953 Air Force crash near Lutsen, MN); her second husband, Dr. Ralph D. Mutchler; and her youngest son Christopher T. Mutchler (Christine Olson Mutchler of Seabeck, WA). She is survived by her daughter Lyndee Lapin of Port Angeles, WA (Dr. Allen Lapin), Rev. Jonathan R. Mutchler of Ferndale, WA (Diane Lofall), Gregory Mutchler of Seabeck, WA; and brother Robert Gotschall of Alpharetta, GA. She has twelve grandchildren: Jennifer Lapin Landrum of Corpus Christi, TX; Jennifer Sipila of New York City (Greg Marquet); Thomas Mutchler of Ferndale, WA (Amanda); Johanna Mutchler Willis of Ferndale (Matthew); Emma Mutchler Skoubo of Ferndale, WA (Ryan); Madalin Mutchler Guisewite of Custer, WA (Alex); Jack Mutchler of Blaine, WA; Nicholas Mutchler of Ferndale, WA; Analise Mutchler of Ferndale, WA; Arthur Lapin of Santa Cruz CA; Melissa Lapin-Parsons of Santa Cruz, CA (Paul); Jordan Lapin of Kent, WA (Anna). She has eleven great-grandchildren. According to her wishes, Marilyn lived and enjoyed most of her life at her Kitsap Lake (Bremerton) home where she resided for 61 years. At her request, no service will be held. Cards may be sent to Mutchler Family, PO Box 1834, Ferndale, WA 98248

Marilyn P. Mutchler

May 7, 1931 - July 23, 2022