It is with great sorrow we announce that Marilyn Ann Kmak, a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother died on November 19, 2023.  She was born in Twining, Michigan (a small rural village in the heartland of northern Michigan), the daughter of Clarence and Olinda  (nee Dittenber) Gettel, both deceased. She graduated from Arenac Eastern High School in Twining (a member of the National Honor Society) and the Kelly School of Music.  She then matriculated to the University of Michigan, the Hurley Hospital School of Nursing and Purdue University, graduating magna cum laude.

She leaves a legacy of love to her children born from her marriage to Chester J. Kmak, M.D. (deceased): David (Valerie) Kmak, M.D. of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, Lisa (William) Kmak-Beatty, Esq., of Munster and Daniel (Cassandra) Kmak, D.D.S., of Dyer.  Also left to cherish her memory are: four grandchildren, Taylor (Michael) Swift, Joseph (Paige), Maxwell and Alexis; three great-grandchildren, Axel, Iva and Maci; a sister, Carolyn Lally of Boyne City, MI; two nieces, Sarah (Joseph) Wolf of Boyne City, MI (children, Hannah and Elisabeth) and Patricia (Robert) Aldrich of Ann Arbor, MI (children, Robert and Annie); cousins in Au Gres, MI, and three Fairy Godchildren – Mackenzie, Tessa and Riley Wattles (Dershewitz) of Naperville, IL.

Marilyn lived a life of learning and teaching.  She will be remembered with love for the work ethic she demonstrated, her integrity, patience, volunteer work and the compassion she felt for others.  She lived life with a kind heart and gracious spirit toward others.  She had a great circle of friends who enriched her life in so many ways and she passed on to her children the importance of friendships and loyalty. She   was   very   proud   of   her   children   and   grandchildren and their educational accomplishments.  They were the pride and joy of her life.  The arrival of her great grandchildren, Axel, Iva and Maci gave her much joy.

Marilyn had a deep appreciation for music and was an accomplished pianist.  As a young teenager she played the piano for school and church functions and also assisted in the production of Handel’s Messiah.

She was active in local politics and served as a precinct vice committee woman in Munster.

Marilyn also had a love for travel and felt very fortunate to be able to see the world.  Her extensive travels were to Russia, China and East Berlin.

Helping others and volunteering has been an important part of her life.  Some of her volunteer affiliations include the National Association   of Professional Women; a mentor to 4^th grade students at Wallace     Elementary School in Hammond; president of the East Chicago -Whiting Woman’s Auxiliary of the Lake County Medical Society; Treasurer of the Elliott School PTA; a room mother and chaperone for the field trips for all of her children at Elliott School in Munster; the City Rescue Mission of Hammond; a board member of the Humane Society of the Calumet Area; Friends of Hospice; the Hospice Artesians; the Hospice Closely Knitters and the Hospice Care to Share Consignment store in Munster. In 2014 Hospice presented her with the Honoree of the Year award in recognition for her distinguished volunteer service that began in 2004. Her passing will create a void at Hospice of the Calumet Area.

Her deepest fulfillment in life was the love and devotion for her family. Words cannot express the deep love she had for them.  She was a caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a kind, compassionate, generous and loving person who will be missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.  Memories of her will remain in our hearts forever.

The family will greet friends at Kish Funeral Home 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN on Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. with a eulogy to immediately follow.  Per Marilyn’s wishes, further arrangements will be private.

In lieu of flowers, those who would like to make a donation in her memory are invited to contribute to Hospice of the Calumet Area, 600 Superior Ave., Munster, IN 46321.

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