Marilyn Cerkowniak, 81, Minot, died Wednesday, October 25, 2017 in a Minot Hospital.

Marilyn was born June 2, 1936 at Hallock, Minnesota to Ann Olsonowski. She was raised at Lancaster, Minnesota and graduated from Kennedy, Minnesota High School. Upon graduating, Marilyn became employed as a bookkeeper for the Lancaster Creamery, where she met Nick Cerkowniak.

Marilyn was united in marriage to Nick Cerkowniak on September 22, 1956 at Maria Lutheran church in Kennedy, MN. They made their home in Grand Forks for a short time, before coming to Minot in the early 1960's. Along with raising their three children, she was employed as a bookkeeper at the Salvation Army. Nick Died October 23, 1992.

Marilyn was a former member of Augustana Lutheran Church, and current member of Trinity Church, both Minot. She was active with a Christian Women's group, led a bible study group and volunteered with the Blind Association of Minot. She was a former member of the Minot Moose Lodge. Most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren and crocheting.

Marilyn's loving family includes : children, Cheri (David) Ostlund, Minot, Leana (Roy) Leavitt, Minot and Craig (Brenda) Cerkowniak, Grand Forks, ND; 5 grandchildren to include, Aaron Ostlund, Jessica Ostlund, Shelby Leavitt, Shawnee Cerkowniak and Cameron Cerkowniak; siblings, Kathy (Ron) Johnson, Hallock, MN, Joann (Paul) Gilley, Hallock, MN, Betty (Dick) Schug, Anoka, MN, Ronald (Lou) Nealis, Ocala, FL; step-brothers, Wayne Nealis, (Ann) Minneapolis and Jay Nealis, Cloverdale, CA; several nieces, nephews and cousins and special family friend, Pam Hopkins.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her mother Ann, Stepfather Melvin Nealis and Step Mother Vi Nealis and husband, Nick.

Funeral service : Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Trinity Church, located at 3500 4th Street S.W. Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Friday, October 27th from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials are preferred to Trinity Church Care Fund.