Mariane Elizabeth Wink First

Mariane Elizabeth Wink First February 24, 1942 – August 10, 2026 50-year Resident of Turlock, California Mariane was born to Eugene and Hermina Wink in Anamosa, Iowa. Following graduation from Monticello High School, she enrolled in Paris Beauty Academy, where she earned her cosmetology license. On May 26, 1963, she married her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) First, at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church in Monticello, Iowa, and opened Mariane’s Style-O-Rama beauty salon, shortly thereafter. In 1976, Bill and Mariane brought their family to Turlock, California, where Mariane immersed herself into life in California and the greater Turlock community, including joining Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and helping form the Instructional Media Center for Turlock Unified School District. Mariane stayed active with Bill by enjoying time with family, playing cards with friends, and raising their three children Lance, Joleen and Marci. She lived an energetic life — fiercely devoted to Jesus and her family, a devotion that showed up not in quiet moments but in constant motion. She'd roar up to work on Bill’s motorcycle, ready to style hair, coif the recently departed, or master whatever her trade demanded that day. Her curiosity never sat still: she programmed a Commodore 64, taught water aerobics, led Bible study, and moved effortlessly between crafts — sewing, knitting, woodworking, and jewelry-making — mastering each one in turn, all while sharpening her pinochle game. Through it all, her faith was the thread that held everything together — the reason her home was always open, her hands were always busy, and her family always knew they were loved. Mariane leaves behind her husband of 63 years, Bill, her sister Sandi Von Behren, son Lance (Meredith), daughters Joleen First (Rick) and Marci Arnold (Ed), grandchildren Tyler Arnold, Tay Sandberg (Nick), Cole First, Hayden Ross (Gabriella), Brady Evans (Bailey) and Alice First, and two great grandchildren Luke Ross and Sawyer Evans. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Archie, Marvin, and Theodore Wink. Her legacy lives on through her family, cherished crafted treasures, and the faithful life she so beautifully modeled. She will be deeply missed. Services for Mariane will be held at 10:00 a.m. on August 28, 2026, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 640 N. Minaret Ave., Turlock, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Hospice & Health Services Foundation, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356 or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

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Mariane Elizabeth Wink First

February 24, 1942 - August 10, 2026