Surnames: Slipek, Staszcuk, Strautman

----Source: Loyal TRG 18 June 2008

Slipek, Marilyn T. (16 JUL 1952 - 12 JUN 2008)

Marilyn Theresa Slipek, 58, a lifelong resident of Thorp, died peacefully on Thursday, June 12, 2008, at home surrounded by her loving family. A mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, June 16, at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church.

Marilyn Theresa Slipek was born on July 16, 1952, in Stanley, to Raymond and Theresa (nee Staszcuk) Slipek. She attended Thorp Catholic School and graduated in 1970 from Thorp High School with honors. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1974. She received her master’s degree from the university with a degree as a reading specialist in 1988. During her college years, she was involved in student government, educational service projects, and campus activities. She made many friends during her college years and kept in contact with many of her college acquaintances.

Her teaching career of more than 30 years started at Holy Rosary Catholic School in Owen. She then taught at the elementary school she attended as a child-Thorp Catholic School. While at Thorp Catholic School. She had the privilege of teaching some of her former elementary teachers. She taught second grade and was involved with the First Communion class. She then became the Title One reading and district reading specialist at Edgar District Schools in 1993-94, she was chosen Elementary Teacher of the Year by her Edgar teaching Colleagues.

During her teaching career, she was involved in many CESA #9 in services. She actively belonged to the State of Wisconsin Title One Association and Wisconsin Reading Council. She presented at various workshops. Several of her articles on reading were published in Wisconsin Reading Journals. She was on many school planning committees, and an active member of the Edgar Professional Education Association and Wisconsin Educators Association. She had many fond memories of the wonderful students she had the privilege to have in her classes over her teaching career.

She enjoyed traveling, reading, gourmet baking and especially polka music. She attended many local, state, and national polka festivals each year. She also met weekly with the breakfast Bunch of Edgar teachers for breakfast. She was involved in the first Thorp Jaycees group having held several offices. Along with others, they started the first Fantasy Bazaar which is still held each December. She was a member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women at St, Bernard-Hedwig’s Catholic Church. She treasured her family. She was very grateful to her loving family for being with her and for their care during her illness

She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She had a heart of gold and was always giving of herself and never asking anything in return. She put her family and friends first. We are very blessed to share our lives with her.

Survivors include her mother, Theresa Slipek, Thorp; one sister, Julie (Mark) Strautman, Ashippun; two brothers, John (Kathy) Slipek, Abbotsford, and Chester (Deb) Slipek, St. Paul, Minn.; nephews, Isaac, Ben and Nick Slipek, and Jacob Strautman; nieces, Noelle and Sarah Slipek, and Nicole Strautman; many aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends.

Preceding her in death were her father, Raymond, in 2000; and her grandparents.

Thorp Funeral Home, Thorp, assisted the family with arrangements.