SINSINAWA — Sr. Marilyn Skluzacek, OP, died Dec. 10, 2021, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Valerio. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Dec. 18, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Marilyn made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Aug. 5, 1960, and her perpetual profession Aug. 5, 1965. She taught for 46 years and served as principal for two years and assistant principal for seven years. Sister Marilyn ministered as director of religious education and pastoral associate for four years, family care partner for one year, and volunteer for two years. She was a quiet, steady presence who said of herself, “The greatest thing we hope for is that the children will deepen their faith and put that faith into action.” She served in Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Marilyn taught at Holy Mother of God, Oregon, 1965-1966; served as family care partner at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, 2014-2015; and volunteered at the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, 2015-2017.
Sister Marilyn was born July 17, 1940, in Lonsdale, Minn., the daughter of John and Cecelia (Malecha) Skluzacek. Her parents and two brothers, Norbert Skluzacek and Adrian Skluzacek, preceded her in death. She is survived by four sisters, Janette Sticha, Loretta Hauer, Bernadine Bissonette, and Valeria McHale; a brother, Jack Skluzacek; nieces; nephews; and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 61 years of religious life.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or at www.sinsinawa.org/donate online.
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Marilyn are available online at www.sinsinawa.org/live. Click on the “on demand” tab.