Marilyn Erana Hertel died peacefully on December 12, 2018 in Glenview, Illinois. Born on October 3, 1925 in Chicago to John and Erana (nee Knudten) Skalla, she was the oldest of 3 children – Carl and Elaine (nee Kramer). She met the love of her life Arthur R. Hertel and they married October 18, 1947. They were happily married for almost 60 years. They raised two daughters Janet (Sweeny) and Barbara.
Marilyn started working after high school for J. Walter Thompson and continued until daughter Janet came along and then retired from that company.
In 1962, Marilyn and her family moved to Mount Prospect, Illinois. While her children were at school, Marilyn worked part time as a cashier at the local Jewel Food Store from 1965-1986. Being a social butterfly she enjoyed working with customers and become friends with her coworkers. As a homemaker, she was good friends with her neighbors. Looking after the neighborhood children, the children gave back by giving them shows in Marilyn’s back yard while Marilyn and Art sipped cocktails on their patio. Being a member of St Mark Lutheran Church she was an active member – teaching Sunday school, serving communion to shut-ins, playing bells with Church’s bell choir among other activities. After retiring from Jewel she also played ladies volleyball at the Church’s gym.
An avid traveler with her husband, they often visited their daughters -one in Dallas, Texas area and the other in NYC. They also toured with their church group. Among some of those big trips were to China, Europe and the Holy Land. After her husband passed away, Marilyn traveled with her friend Vivienne Poole and Laverne Reinwold to many US destinations.
Battling with dementia for the last seven years of her life, Marilyn lived gracefully and bravely.
Proceeded in death by her parents, and husband Arthur, Brother Carl, Sister Elaine and granddaughter Natalie Joy. She is survived by her two daughters, Janet Sweeny and Barbara Hertel, her son-in-law John Sweeny, granddaughter Jennifer Ayers (Sweeny) along with great grandchildren Nolan, Charity, Matt and Ryan.
Marilyn’s Memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 200 South Wille Street, Mount Prospect. In the Church’s Great Room Visitation from 9:30 am to 10:55 am; Church service at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, any memorials can be sent to St Mark Lutheran Church.