Marilyn J. (Krcilek) Levendoski - Born November 1, 1937 – Died February 4, 2026.
It is with deep love and heavy hearts we announce that Marilyn J. (Krcilek) Levendoski– fondly called “Auntie Mame” by all three generations of her nieces and nephews – departed this earthly realm on February 4, 2026, at the age of 88 in La Porte, IN.
Marilyn was a person that people remembered - and she herself was a “people person”! Her bright smile, encouraging words, optimism and intuition would always connect and go straight into your heart from hers and be EXACTLY what your soul needed at that time.
She was a LPHS graduate in 1956 (“Year of the fix”) and her years there nurtured and encouraged her innate abilities, as she excelled in the “lost art” of shorthand, typing and other secretarial and organizational skills. Those skills, along with her bubbly personality, work ethic and attention to detail, led into a career as an Executive Secretary for several local and out-of-state companies such as: Bastian-Morley, Allis-Chalmers, NY Blower, Whirlpool, La Porte Mayor Everett Koomler, Counts & Co. Investment and Securities (Atlanta), Hot Springs Village (Arkansas) and finally retiring from Beatty Memorial Hospital (Westville, IN) after 28 yrs. of service.
Marilyn’s love of nature and flowers (especially roses!) was evident in her personal gardens and her membership in the Michigan City Rose Society for many years. Playing the piano was a joy and gift, as Marilyn could “play by ear” even the most complex of melodies, as well as reading music. One of her favorites: “You are My Sunshine” continued to be played until very recently. Attending a 1954 Liberace piano concert in Chicago was a memorable highlight for a teenaged Marilyn!
Marilyn was the third child born to Gerald J. Krcilek and Jennie M. (Mannia) Krcilek on Nov. 1, 1937, in La Porte, IN.
Marilyn overcame a severe hip deformity in early childhood, and after many surgeries, went on to walk and live a healthy, normal life. Those hardships as a young child solidified her inner resolve of courage, gratitude, patience, optimism and a steadfast faith in God.
She married Joseph H. Levendoski on May 10, 1975 at St. Joseph Church in La Porte. Joseph passed away in 2013, after 38 years of marriage together.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joseph, her three brothers: Gerald N. (Marlene) Krcilek, Donald (Mary) Krcilek, Michael W. Krcilek and two nieces. She is survived by her sister Shirley (Richard) Pietraszewski and many nieces and nephews. Auntie Mame was always that “Special Aunt”!
Arrangements are being handled by the Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte, IN. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 201 Bach Street, La Porte, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday in the Church following the visitation. Burial will take place at Pine Lake Cemetery, La Porte, IN, with her husband.
No flowers or donations are requested. Instead, Marilyn would be so happy if everyone would slow down, be kind to one another and most importantly, take time to smell the roses! We Love you forever Auntie Mame!
To light a virtual candle, share a cherished memory, or leave a message of comfort for Marilyn’s family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.
