Marlene Diane Gavlek

Marlene was born September 25, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of John and Virginia (Ciecierski) Johnson. She was united in marriage to Andrew Gavlek on October 25, 1958 in Chicago. Marlene earned a Masters Degree in Nursing Management while being a Nursing Instructor at Bay de Noc Community College where she retired from. She touched the lives of so many people she worked with, her students and the people they cared for. She was a longtime member of the St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish in Escanaba. She enjoyed golfing, fishing, going to the lake, riding the pontoon boat, watching The Lawrence Welk Show and spending time with family.

Marlene is survived by her children, Andrew (Mary) Gavlek of Escanaba, Thomas Gavlek of Meriban, Idaho, Diane (Brent) Gavlek Ferree of Waterford, Michigan, Catherine Gavlek of Clayton, North Carolina and Nancy Gavlek of Escanaba; 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Andrew and her brother, George (Eleanor) Johnson.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 15 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Services by the Upper Peninsula Nurses Honor Guard will be presented at 2:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 3:00 PM at the St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish in Escanaba. A luncheon will be served in the Parish Hall. Marlene will be entombed in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.

In lieu of flowers, memorial can be directed to the Holy Name Scholarship Fund.

To leave the family a message of condolence, go to www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.