Marilynne Rose Kowalski, 75, of Jacksonport, formerly of LaGrange Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home with her family by her side on Thursday, October 14, 2021.

     She was born January 19, 1946 in Cicero, Illinois, daughter of the late Charles J. and Rose Ellen (Ruzicka) Matt. Marilynne met the love of her life, David Kowalski, and the two were wed on August 26, 1972 at St. Mary Parish in Riverside, IL. Together, they raised their family of four beautiful children. Marilynne was a cherished wife and loving mother and grandmother. She was also very creative and loved music, art, poetry, needlework, gardening, and praying. Marilynne attended the American Conservatory of Music and loved to play her piano, flute, and guitar. She also loved to attend performances at Birch Creek in Egg Harbor, WI. 

     Marilynne and David had a beautiful marriage. This was strengthened by their involvement in Marriage Encounter. They loved to attend their yearly conferences all over the Midwest. Marilynne was also extremely supportive of David’s decision to become a Deacon and assisted with anything she could to help with his ministry.

     Marilynne was a devout Catholic and was involved in many activities with her church, Stella Maris Parish, as well as the many parishes she has been a parishioner of her entire life. Marilynne received her certificate in Advanced Studies in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction from the Institute of Spiritual Leadership in Chicago. She was part of the peer supervision group that met at St Norbert Abbey in De Pere, WI. She was very involved with the Christ Child Society, an organization helping young mothers with the needs of their babies and small children. She enjoyed participating in her prayer shawl ministry, the Catholic Women’s group and was a member of the parish prayer vine. 

     Over the years, she had been a lector, extraordinary minister, sacristan, and enjoyed helping with art and environment at her various parishes, from Iowa to Massachusetts back to Illinois and then to Wisconsin. Marilynne’s love of nature brought her and David to move to their log cabin home in Door County, where they were closer to God’s creation of birds, trees, and wildlife. Marilynne enjoyed walking and taking pictures of butterflies, birds, flowers, and rock formations. 

     Prior to moving to beautiful ‘up north’, she was very active in the SPREAD program at St. Louise de Marillac Parish, which is a program for teaching young adults with special needs. 

     Marilynne had a quiet, calming presence and held to the belief that you should do few things, but do them well.

      Marilynne’s memory will be kept alive by her husband of 49 years, David; children; Dorothy (Stephen) Beck, Tom (Lori-Ann) Kowalski, and Theresa (Joseph) Byelick; 10 grandchildren, Aaron, Nathan, Brandon, Cameron, Danielle, and Stephanie Beck, Molly and Owen Kowalski, and James and Bennett Byelick; sisters-in-law, Nancy and Doreen Matt; brothers-in-law, Rich and Michael (Ellen) Kowalski; and nieces, nephews, and friends.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Rose Matt; daughter, Mary Margaret Kowalski; and brothers, Chuck and Rich Matt.

     Marilynne’s life will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, October 18, 2021 at Stella Maris Parish – Baileys Harbor Site at 11:00 a.m. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the start of Mass.

     A wake service will also be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Hitzeman Funeral Home in Brookfield, IL at 11:00 a.m. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until the service. She will be laid to rest beside her daughter in Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside, IL.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Christ Child Society, P.O. Box 572, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. 

     Huehns Funeral Home of Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Kowalski family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Marilynne may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.