Marilyn Gawlik

Marilyn Gawlik passed away peacefully and gracefully in the evening on Sunday, January 9. She was 91 years old. Born in South Bend Indiana to Harvey and Harriet Gygi, Marilyn’s family moved to Holcombe Wisconsin in the 1930s where her father Harvey helped his father Armand operate the general store Gygi and Son. Marilyn’s family lived above the store.

Marilyn attended public school in Holcombe and in 1948, after graduating from high school, she moved to the Twin Cities for postsecondary studies. Upon completion of her formal education, Marilyn moved to Madison in 1949 where she met Tim Gawlik at the YMCA.

Married in 1952, Marilyn and Tim started a family and built a home on Madison’s near west side. An attentive and caring mother, Marilyn also loved to cook and bake. Her raised donuts and pecan rolls were family favorites. The Gawlik family shared precious times together outdoors, traveling, camping, hiking, and birdwatching. They built a lakeside cottage up north and in the long summer evenings, Marilyn watched many sunsets relaxing on a pontoon boat ride. Back in Madison, Marilyn was employed as an administrative assistant for 20 years at the University of Wisconsin Extension Services.

Marilyn’s warm smile, kind words, careful listening, and thoughtful prayers will be dearly missed by her loving family and friends.

Marilyn is survived by her sister Rochelle, her daughter Kim and 6 grandchildren: Kyle, Kam, Konnor, Kenzie, Page, and Robin; 6 great-grandchildren: Bennett, Maddie, Emily, Caroline, Noah, and Nathan. She is predeceased by her daughter Cathy, her husband Tim, and her brother Harvey Jr.

A private family service will be held for Marilyn at Sunset Memory Gardens later this year.

Memorial donations may be made in Marilyn’s name to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, Wisconsin 53711.

The family wishes to thank the Oakwood Village staff for many years of love and support.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road

(608) 238-3434