Marilyn Gay Warren

Marilyn was born on January 26, 1936, in Marquette to Martin and Margaret (Meyers) Mahowald, the oldest of three sisters. She treasured her youth, which was filled with family picnics at Presque Isle, ice skating in shows at the Palestra, and later working at Beauchamp’s Camera Corner. Marilyn also loved her time at Graveraet High School, where friends affectionately nicknamed her “Stretch,” a tribute to her impressive 5’11¾” stature–never six feet, as she was quick to clarify.

Marilyn married Jim Warren in 1958–on the first day of fishing season–at Bethany Lutheran Church in Negaunee, where she remained a lifelong and devoted member. Their family grew quickly–first John, then David, and finally Janice (Jan)–and Marilyn poured her heart into her children and her home. Marilyn’s time with her family was filled with playing cards, canning vegetables from the garden, knitting countless pairs of mittens, and faithfully attending every school and church event for her children, including band and choir concerts. Known for her social nature, she often invited neighbors over by announcing she had “put a pot on,” a tradition that later evolved into a walking group that inevitably ended at the Beef-a-Roo, where friendships were nurtured over coffee, conversation, and laughter.

In her later years at Teal Lake Senior Living, Marilyn enjoyed friendships both old and new and came to see the staff as family. During that time, she often ended conversations with a cheerful, “Things are lookin’ up!”

Marilyn will be remembered as a loving wife and mother, a caring sister and sister-in-law, and a loyal friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Rosalie and Allegra, sisters-in-law Carlene and Grayce, and her husband.

Left to carry on her memory are her sons John of Negaunee and David (Christine) of Brighton, MI; and daughter, Jan (Gina) of Iowa City, IA. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Dorothy Warren of Appleton, WI, who was like a sister to her; her beloved grandchildren–Michael, Maya, Gilbert, and Giles–and several nieces and nephews.

The family thanks the staff of Teal Lake Senior Living, Marquette County Medical Care Facility, Mill Creek Senior Living, and UP Home Health & Hospice for their compassionate care.

Marilyn’s memorial service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Negaunee on Wednesday, July 8. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the service at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Lloyd Luedeman officiating. Coffee and pastries will be served afterward in the Fellowship Hall. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church or the Negaunee Senior Center in Marilyn’s memory.

Mrs. Warren’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com