Marilyn E. Cherekos, 87

Marilyn Elizabeth Cherekos passed away peacefully on May 12, 2022. Marilyn was born April 21, 1935 in Lancaster Wisconsin; to Maurice Charles Ziegler and Harriette Caroline (Tummel) Ziegler. Marilyn lived a full, interesting life that touched many others.

What mattered most to Marilyn was her family and community in Baudette MN. On April 28th 1956, she was united in marriage to her loving husband, George S Cherekos. They lived in various homes within the northwest Chicago suburban area, with their 4 children until September 1972. They moved from Palatine, IL to Baudette, MN when George accepted a job with Rowell Laboratories in Baudette.

In her earlier years back in Wisconsin, Marilyn became an accomplished piano and coronet player. She attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison for one year. She also developed her love of all animals which lasted her entire lifetime. She and George owned many dogs throughout their entire marriage and her love of dogs translated into many hours volunteering at the Lake of the Woods Humane Society.

Soon after moving to Baudette, Marilyn embraced becoming an active member of her community. With George by her side, she became hooked on fishing. It was their passion to cruise their boat into the heart of Lake of the Woods to fish; have a shore lunch and simply enjoy the beauty. When their children and families would visit, George and Marilyn were the optimal fishing guides. Their love of Lake of the Woods led them to buy a cabin on Little Raspberry Island near Morson, Ontario. They spent many happy times there, with friends and family members.

During the summers, Marilyn kept a large garden at their home on the shore of the Rainy River, growing many wonderful vegetables and flowers. Marilyn enjoyed golfing with George and playing in the ladies’ golf league. Winters did not keep Marilyn inside, even when the temperatures were frequently subzero. She would cross country ski the beautiful trails in Zippel Bay State Park and ride her snowmobile on the many trails in the area and up the Winter Road River with George.

­­For many years Marilyn worked for the Lake of the Woods School District where she applied her love of cooking to give students an excellent hot lunch. In Marilyn, the Lake of the Woods Humane Society had a passionate advocate for the many homeless dogs and cats. She would volunteer at the shelter very early in the morning, and held various positions with them, including Treasurer.

In their retirement years, Marilyn and George loved to travel. Their trips took them to many wonderful parts of the United States, Alaska, Canada, the Greek Isles, Mexico, South America and Europe. Marilyn said her most favorite trip was their cruise around the southern tip of South America’s Cape Horn.

Marilyn was preceeded in death by her parents, husband George in 2014, and sister Jean Chatterton in 2018. She is survived by 4 children: Jean (Bill) Hayes, DeForest, WI; Julie (Doug) Kuehn, Park Rapids, MN; Charles (Linda) Cherekos, Plymouth, MN and Chris (Susan) Cherekos, Yorkville, IL. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Justin and Nicholas Hayes(Jean and Bill); Jessica (John) Henderson and Josephine (Jon) Kalinowski (Julie and Doug), Steven (Samantha) Cherekos and Nicholas Cherekos (Charles and Linda), and Cassandra (Mike) Peterson (Chris and Susan). She will also be missed by her 7 great-grandchildren.

A private family gathering to celebrate Marilyn’s life will be held in June.

Memorials may be made in Marilyn’s name to:

North Memorial Hospice Foundation

3300 Oakdale Ave

Robbinsdale, MN 55422
or

Lake of the Woods Humane Society

501 1st Ave SE

Baudette MN 56623