Marilyn Ruth Cleary (Blazek), a truly remarkable wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, peacefully went home to the Lord on October 4, 2025, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication that has touched the hearts of all who knew her. Born on December 26, 1930, a daughter of Gerald and Anna Blazek, Marilyn later graduated from Messmer Catholic High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Even as a senior in high school, Marilyn's commitment to her faith was evident. She entered a Catholic essay writing contest, where she wrote about modeling marriage after the Holy Family. Her essay not only earned her second place but also became a guiding principle in her life. Marilyn exemplified this model of the Holy Family throughout her married life, praying rosaries for others in their times of need, teaching her family how to pray, and leading a life of service to God and others.

Marilyn met the love of her life, Francis, at a Catholic Social Club dance in Milwaukee, WI in the 1950s. They were married on August 23, 1958, at Mother of Good Counsel in Milwaukee, and together they raised their family of six children in the Town of Erin, Wisconsin. Demonstrating her exceptional versatility, she adapted to life in the country after being a city girl during her youth.

Marilyn's professional journey included roles at the Wisconsin Telephone Company, Allis-Chalmers, and Badger Meter Inc., where she retired in 1992. However, her most cherished role was as a devoted mother and wife, focusing on raising her children and caring for her husband.

Marilyn's adventurous spirit led her to travel to many of the most majestic mountain ranges. After building their lovely home in Door County, WI, she and Francis took their dream vacation to Alaska in 1995, where Marilyn drove approximately 5,000 miles across Canada and on the Alaskan Highway. She also traveled 14 times to Banff National Park, often saying, "The mountains are calling and I must go!" She cherished friendships with those she met through her involvement in Red Hatters and the Corpus Christi Women’s Group, in addition to many lifelong friends and travel partners.

She will be dearly missed by her children, James (Kathleen) Cleary, David (Jennifer) Cleary, Sandra (Eric) Pulver, Steve Cleary, and Julie (Shane) Watters; thirteen grandchildren, Sheila Cleary, Daniel Cleary, Natalie Cleary, Craig Cleary, Megan (John) Zimmermann, Grant Pulver, Ryan (Kendall) Cleary, Brandon Cleary, Kyle Cleary, Sarah Watters, David Watters, Christopher Watters, and Matthew Watters; five great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; sister, Dorothy (Carl) Basco and sister-in-law Nancy Blazek. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many wonderful friends. 

Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Anna Blazek; husband Francis Cleary; son Donald Cleary; brothers, Robert Blazek, Gerald (Connie) Blazek, and Donald Blazek; daughter in-law Vicky Cleary.

Marilyn's life was a testament to her faith and love for others. Her favorite prayers, the Memorare and the Prayer of St. Francis, will continue to inspire those who knew her. As we remember Marilyn, let us think of her and Francis enjoying the beautiful mountain views from the Kingdom of Heaven. She has now joined the heavenly choir, watching over us with the same care and devotion she showed throughout her life.

Visitation for Marilyn will be on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Forbes Funeral Home (319 W Spruce St. Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235) with a prayer service to be held at 7:00 pm.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Monday morning from 9:30 am until 10:30 am.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am at Corpus Christi Church (811 W Juniper St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235). Following the Mass, Marilyn will be laid to rest at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery (3737 Egg Harbor Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235).  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Corpus Christi Catholic Church are appreciated.

Marilyn's family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care, compassion, and dedication provided by the Mayo Clinic Medical Intensive Care and Palliative Care Units - your support made a profound impact during a challenging time.