IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Marilyn M. Smollar, 81, of Ironwood Township, died on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at her home, with her loving family at her side.

Marilyn was born on Dec. 26, 1942, in Cudahy, Wisconsin, a daughter of Joseph and Helen Maradik. Marilyn attended Notre Dame High School in Milwaukee.

She received many certificates of high honors in journalism, Latin and knowledge of excellence. An award was given for her taste-testing "onion pie." She participated in and was a science fair project winner that studied the effects of metal and salts on 10 natural dyes and was awarded a four-year scholarship to Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in food service. This helped expand her career as a dietitian at Grand View Hospital, now Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, and worked more than 40 years as a registered dietitian consulting with various nursing homes until her retirement. She continued her education and earned a Master's degree in business at Gogebic Community College. Marilyn was a member of the Ironwood Business and Professional Women's Club.

She met Louis E. Smollar at a Christmas tree decorating party, whom she later married on Aug. 12, 1961, at Saint Frederick's Catholic Church in Cudahy. Marilyn and Louis later moved to Ironwood to a small hobby farm and started a family. The family grew to four children. The Silver Leaf Dairy was purchased and established into a Grade A dairy farm. During the farm's operation, Marilyn maintained all the farm taxes and financial records.

Marilyn enjoyed many hobbies such as baking, canning, knitting, embroidery, gardening, traveling and many family visits. She loved reading about history and religion. Since a young age, faith was very important to her. She was an active member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church and taught catechism to the local students.

Marilyn is survived by three children: daughter, Theresa Talaska, Montreal, Wisconsin; son, Louis (Julie) Smollar, Green Bay, Wisconsin; and son, Jeff Smollar (Randy Lyon), St. Paul, Minnesota; a sister, Maureen Dorgay (Rick), Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; her daughter-in-law, Violet Smollar, Ironwood; four grandchildren, Tanya Isaacson, Alyssa (Cody) Cook, Jared Smollar and Amber Sandquist; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers, Richard Maradik and Robert Maradik; a son, Brian Smollar; her son-in-law, Jim Talaska; along with many other family members.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the caregivers in which they refer to as Marilyn's "Army of Angels," along with those that sent cards, kept her in prayer and visited.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., in the St. Joseph Family Room at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 108 S. Marquette St., in Ironwood.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Brian Gerber, celebrant.

A luncheon will follow at the church parish hall.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place in the spring at the Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood.

Condolences can be sent to the Smollar family, in care of Tanya Isaacson, Box 375, Montreal, WI 54550.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.