Marilyn L. Wolke, beloved Mother and Grandmother, 86, of Grayslake, IL, passed away peacefully on February 02, 2024.

Marilyn Louise Antoinette Blake was born on March 31, 1937 to Osborn and Emma Blake. She was the youngest of 4, and grew up with 3 older brothers, Osborn, Walter and Hubert Blake. Marilyn lived most of her childhood in Lombard, IL, at 22 W. Willow Rd, along with her extended family, which included her two aunts. After graduating from Glenbard West High School in1955 she met her first husband, Robert (Bob) Warren, who was also from Lombard, IL. They wed in 1957 and went on to have 4 children, Gary Warren, Mark Warren, Steven Warren and Cynthia Viverito (Warren). They settled in Villa Park, IL where they raised their family. During their 21 years of marriage they spent many summers taking road trips with their children and close friends, camping and enjoying the outdoors.  

Marilyn had a fondness for collecting new things and loved to keep active. She also enjoyed many hobbies including golfing, bowling, playing cards/games, dancing, traveling, watching horse racing, and  listening to country music.

Marilyn also enjoyed being involved and was active in many different groups, including a group called Parents without Partners. It was in this group that Marilyn met her second husband, Robert (Bob) Wolke, in 1980. One year later, in 1981, they were married with their union creating the Warren/Wolke family, which included Marilyn’s four children and Bob’s four children: Brian, Kathy, Kevin & Karen Wolke. Marilyn and Bob resided in Carol Stream, IL until they retired, after which they relocated to Wisconsin and later, Arkansas. Marilyn and Bob Wolke were married for 33 years until he passed in 2013.

Marilyn retired from Superior Coffee and Tea in 1999 at the age of 62. After retiring, Marilyn and Bob relocated to their lake house in Green Lake, WI and later moved to a retirement community in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Marilyn loved her retirement community where she made many friends, joined many clubs, including the red hat ladies, and was able to pursue her many hobbies, everyday.

Marilyn's desire to be independent and her private, strong will were apparent throughout her entire life, and despite her family urging her to come back to IL after she suffered some health setbacks, she resided in Arkansas until 2018 when she finally agreed to come back to IL so her family could help care for her. She started her time back in IL at an assisted living home where she made a few dear friends. She enjoyed her time at the facility, playing lots of bingo and was even named the trivia queen! With her being back in IL, she was able to spend time with her family, attend numerous weddings for her grandchildren, and celebrate the holidays with her loved ones. This meant so much to her as she was the happiest when she was with her family. 

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents,  Osborn and Emma Blake, Siblings, Osborn Blake Jr., Walter Blake, and Hubert Blake, her first husband, Robert Warren and second husband, Robert Wolke, Daughter in Law, Sandy Warren and Grandson, Jeremiah Patterson. 

She is survived by her children Gary Warren (Marguerite), Mark Warren, Steven Warren (Cindy), and Cynthia Viverito (Sam),  Grandchildren Geness, Robert, Michelle, Stefanie, Ashley, Sean, Vince, Josh, Kim, Kyle, Matthew, Michael, Haley and Cody;  Great Grandchildren Cooper, Mia, Kira, Samuel, Giuliana, Jonny, Penelope, Olivia,  Nolan and Julia; along with many nieces and nephews and her stepchildren Brian Wolke (Pam), Kathy Sutcliffe (Mike), Kevin Wolke (Rene), Karen Steele (Keith),  Grandchildren; Chris, Malerie, Andrew, Danny, Austin, Claire, Allison, Brittany, Heather, Kolin and Kristen and Great Grandchildren; James, Maxwell, Kayden, Karter, Wyatt, Emma, Abby, Nathaniel, Pierce and Kevin. 

In honor of Marilyn's wishes, her family will be holding a private Celebration of Life event in the near future. 

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