Marilyn A. Placke

Marilyn A. Placke, 92, of St. Libory, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 8, 2024 while attending Mass at St. Libory’s Catholic Church in St. Libory.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, December 13, 2024 at St. Libory’s Catholic Church in St. Libory. The Reverends Sidney Bruggeman and David Rykwalder concelebrated the Mass. They were assisted by Marilyn’s brother-in-law, Deacon Don Placke.

Tony Placke and Sarah Paisley were the lectors. Eli Placke, Cameron Placke, Marquez Placke, and Ty Janitscheck were the acolytes. Dennis Placke and Kathy Hirschman were the Eucharistic ministers.

Gift bearers included Tiffanie Dowd, Jennifer Negrete, Lisa Garrett (in spirit), Lindsay Van Pelt, Melanie Placke, Staci Mrkvicka, Andrea Zulkoski, Angelena Smith, Shelby Duncan, Haley Bainter, Kylee Legino, and Briana Placke.

Jeanne Allen was the soloist. Barb Klein was the pianist.

Selections included “In the Garden,” “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman,” “Ave Maria,” “Sanctuary,” and “Scars in Heaven.”

Shannon Placke, Dalton Placke, Jeremy Garrett, Thom Cardwell, Adam Placke, and Bishop Placke were the casketbearers.

Honorary bearers included Ryan Mohler, Simon Placke, Ben Placke, Vincent Placke, Jason Garrett, Andrew Placke, Grant Placke (in spirit), and Braxton Placke.

Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

Marilyn was born on June 13, 1932 on the family farm northwest of St. Paul in the Midway area, the daughter of Anton J. and Anna E. (Nosal) Matousek. She attended District No. 27 Howard County rural school through the eighth grade. She was the St. Paul High School’s first Coronation queen and graduated from St. Paul High School in 1950. After graduating, Marilyn worked as a telephone operator in St. Paul.

Marilyn was united in marriage to William A. Placke, Jr. on October 11, 1952 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. The couple farmed near St. Libory, and Marilyn was involved with Placke Melon Stand for over seventy years. She was very proud of her association with the St. Libory Watermelon Days. Bill died on January 9, 1998, and she continued to live on the farm the rest of her life.

Marilyn was a member of the St. Libory’s Catholic Church for over seventy years and was very involved with the CCW, having served as the funeral dinner director for many years. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 120 of Palmer and Catholic Daughters of America Sacred Heart Court 1215 of St. Paul.

She is survived by her seven children, Joanie Gauthier and Jerry Dixon of Dannebrog, Jerry and Melissa Placke of St. Libory, Shelli and Bill Garrett of Hampton, Gene and Kay Placke of St. Libory, Rod and Kim Placke of St. Libory, Dan and Leslie Placke of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Darin and Karen Placke of Grand Island; twenty-six grandchildren, Tiffanie and Joe Dowd, Ryan Mohler and Susan Moser, Shannon and Jamie Placke, Simon and Lisa Placke, Ben and Lacey Placke, Tony and Sarah Placke, Jennifer Negrete and Jon Smith, Vincent and Nicole Placke, Jeremy and Cori Garrett, Jason and Mary Garrett, Lindsay and Shane Van Pelt, Adam and Cassie Placke, Sarah and Tim Paisley, Andrew and Fannye Placke, Melanie Placke and Cam Garrett, Staci and Erik Mrkvicka, Andrea and Matt Zulkoski, Angelena Smith, Dalton Placke and Tarra Janitschek, Thomas Cardwell, Shelby and Jesse Duncan, Haley and Troy Bainter, Kylee and Zach Legino, Briana Placke, Bishop Placke, and Braxton Placke; forty-five great-grandchildren; sister, Virginia Hirschman of St. Paul; brother-in-law, Don and Jan Placke of Central City; and sisterin- law, Marilyn Retzlaff of Doniphan.

In addition to her husband, Bill, she was preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Anna Matousek; son-in-law, Dan Gauthier; daughter-in-law, Patricia Placke; granddaughter, Lisa Garrett; grandson, Grant Placke; sister, Charlotte and Bud Miller; brother-in-law, Jim Hirschman; sister-in-law, Virginia Placke; brotherin- law, Bert and Ramona Placke; sister-in-law, Dot and Lawrence Jacobsen; and brother-in-law, Bill Retzlaff.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Marilyn’s family by visiting www.petersfuneralhome. net.

The Phonograph-Herald | December 18, 2024