Former Marshfield Mayor Marilyn Hardacre dies at 84
By Hub City Times staff
MARSHFIELD – Former Marshfield Mayor Marilyn Hardacre passed away on Nov. 29 in Marshfield.
Hardacre was born and raised in Ohio and came to Marshfield when her husband, Jerry was recruited by Marshfield Clinic in 1966.
After coming to area, Marilyn became engaged in community service, first joining the St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary, and later serving as its president.
In 1971, Marilyn was asked to join Marshfield’s Recreation Committee, and in 1975, she was elected to the Marshfield Common Council, representing Marshfield’s Fourth Ward. She was the first woman council member to serve Marshfield, since 1925.
In 1978, Hardacre was elected as Marshfield’s first female mayor. She held the seat for four terms.
Marilyn then became the executive director of the Marshfield Development Corporation and later, the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She held that position until 1997.
In additional to her local service, Hardacre served on many regional and state boards and committees. She was the first female president of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.
Two local amenities reflect Hardacre’s dedication to the community – Veterans Parkway, for her impact in making Highway 10 four-lane from Marshfield to the Fox Valley area, and Hardacre Park, built by Paul Rogers and area leaders and named in her honor.
A memorial service will be held Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. at Zion Methodist Church, 2106 N. Peach St., Marshfield. Visitation will be held Dec. 6, 4-7 p.m. at the Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home, 1010 E. Veterans Parkway, Marshfield and again from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
More in the Dec. 4 print edition.