Marilyn Jeanne Hayman

Marilyn Jeanne Hayman 96, of Elburn, Illinois formerly of Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, March 24, 2026 at Blackberry Pines Residential Assisted Living in Elburn, Illinois.

She was born April 28, 1929 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Ralph and Ethel (Sault) Fiedler. She grew up in Milwaukee and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Milwaukee-Downer College. Following graduation, she began a more than 30-year teaching career. She moved to Minneapolis where she taught in the Minneapolis Public School System, specializing in reading and language arts.

In 1952 she married Milton J. Hayman and the couple raised one son, Thomas. During their more than 60-year-marriage, she and Milton traveled, experiencing the food, culture, religious traditions of places the world over. They also enjoyed the symphony, theater and the opera together. She and Milton were founding members of the American Players Theater in Spring Green, Wisconsin. While Thomas attended college, Marilyn continued her education as well, earning a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota.

She became very politically active in the areas of property rights and zoning laws, founding Citizens for Responsible Zoning. For many years she spoke all over the country, including Washington D.C., advocating for owners’ property rights.

Marilyn was truly a life-long learner. She was a naturally curious person and loved learning new topics. She was, however, a teacher at heart. She wasn’t afraid to lecture if the occasion called for it and she never had any trouble finding her voice. She was firm in her convictions and knew her own mind. She was also a talented gardener. Her attention to detail was apparent in her beautiful wildflower gardens. She kept a close group of friends and was a wonderfully supportive mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her son, Thomas (Martha Turner) Hayman St. Charles, Illinois; grandsons, Andrew and Michael (Nancy Leon) Hayman, both from the Chicago, Illinois area; a niece, Michelle Wimmer of Atascadero, Calif., and a nephew, Bob (Nina) Fiedler of New Berlin, Wisconsin.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Milton; one brother, Robert Fiedler; and her parents. 

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, March 30, 2026 at Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing. Enter Oakwood Cemetery through the Cherry Street enterance. Online condolences may be written for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com