Marilyn M. Szutkowski, 88

Marilyn M. Szutkowski, age 88 of Eland, passed away on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at the Homme Home of Wittenberg under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, Wausau.

She was born on July 13, 1930, in Cudahy, the daughter of the late Leo Hoppe, Sr. and Rose (Trzebiatowski) Hoppe. On September 27, 1947, she married Leo (Elroy) Szutkowski, at St. William Catholic Church in Eland.  He preceded her in death on February 15, 2009.

Faith and family were most important in Marilyn's life.  She served on countless committees at St. William's Church, located right down the hill from her home.  Marilyn was an excellent cook, baker and hostess.  There was always room at her table for extra guests.  Following Christmas Eve Mass, her home was the place to gather for wonderful food and fellowship.  Her Polish heritage was displayed in her love for polka music. Marilyn and Elroy were great dancers, they especially enjoyed Polish Hopping at the area dances.  She also enjoyed an occassional trip to the casino where she enjoyed socializing with family and friends.  She was a person with a positive attitude, her glass was always "half full."  She enjoyed her time employed and volunteering at Homme Home of Wittenberg, always making sure the residents had a full stomach, made it to mass, or had someone to talk to.

Marilyn took great pride in her grandchildren, she was the loving Polish Grandmother who welcomed them with open arms, ready to babysit or fix a short order meal for her older grandchildren.  Some of her grandchildren referred to her as "busy grandma" and others may say she was the queen of multitasking.  Some of the fondest memories with her grandchildren were made each summer at Pelican Lake.

Survivors include her children, Mark (Lori) Szutkowski of Eland, Mike (Pam) Szutkowski of Eland, Kathryn (Jeff) Waldvogel of Wausau, and Paulette (Kurt) Kluck of Weston; eleven grandchildren, Beth Gollhardt, Trevor (Olivia) Szutkowski, Emily (Jeff) Szutkowski, Brett (Patience) Szutkowski, Devin (Nicole) Szutkowski, Chase (Liz) Szutkowski, Alex (Kristin) Waldvogel, Stefan (Monica) Waldvogel, Chelsea (Andy) Block, Travis Waldvogel, Spencer Kluck; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Alvina (Robert) Buss; her sister-in-law, Verna Hoppe; one step-sister, Patricia Swanke; two step-brothers, Dennis (Vi) Konkol and David (Elaine) Konkol; and one step sister-in-law, Jeanette Konkol.  She is further survived by many other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Marilyn was preceded in death by one son, Ronald Szutkowski, one daughter, Rose Lynne Nowinsky, one grandson, Joel Szutkowski, her brother, Leo Hoppe Jr., and her step-brother, Robert Konkol.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 20, 2018, at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Birnamwood. Father Vincente Llagas will officiate. Burial will be in Holy Family Catholic Cemetery, Wittenberg.  Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church on Saturday, October 20, 2018.

The family would like to thank Geraldine Starr, Homme Home of Wittenberg, and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their exceptional love and care.