Marilyn J. Olufs

1930 ∼ 2020

Marilyn Jean (Seaquist) Olufs, 89, passed away peacefully, of natural causes, on Saturday, July 11th in Kenosha, WI. She was born in Chicago, October 25, 1930 to Gus and Ruth (Carlson) Seaquist. She graduated from Amundsen High School in Chicago and Augustana Lutheran College, graduating in 1952 with her B.S. degree in Speech Therapy. She was a member of Phi Rho Sorority and the synchronized Swim Team. It was at Augustana that she met her future husband Robert John Olufs and they married on June 8, 1951 in Chicago: a union of 65 years.Marilyn was a proud first generation Swedish American. She grew up in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago and she became fluent in Swedish, mostly by listening under her door while her parents spoke with friends. Christmas at the house was a two-day Swedish celebration featuring the much-maligned Lutefisk and a second day smorgasbord of homemade Swedish meatballs, potato sausage, kalvsylta, rice pudding and abundance of cookies. There was always room at the table for guests and plenty of food for all. Marilyn treated friends as family, enjoyed long conversations, and will be remembered for her long goodbyes.Marilyn practiced as a Speech Pathologist in Kenosha until she began her new career as a mother of five. Not one to sit still, she was active in her children’s activities, sports, music, and strongly advocated for educational equality. She was a Girl Scout Leader and with them, helped assemble one of the world’s largest quilts at the time. She also was an active member of the P.E.O Sisterhood from 1961, member of AAUW, and involved herself in multiple roles in the life of St Paul’s Lutheran Church. She enjoyed archery when she was younger and cross-country skiing with friends later in life. She and Bob also enjoyed traveling worldwide. She took ownership of the Seaquist-Olufs Resort in Pine River, Minnesota after her mother’s passing and with the help of Bob, ran it until last year when she turned it over to the next generation. She enjoyed a lifetime of summers watching 5 generations of resort families growing up at her special place. Marilyn is survived by her five children: Karen Olufs (John Dulaney) of Kenosha, Steve (Debbie) Olufs of West Salem, Karl (Barb) Olufs of Union Grove, Kathy (Ward) Neesen of Stevens Point, and Janet (Arni) Mahant of Kenosha, eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert, and parents Gust and Ruth Seaquist.Services will be held privately but can be streamed at 12:30 p.m., on Thursday July 16, 2020, with a recording available on the Proko Funeral Home Website. To stream Marilyn’s service please copy and paste https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/7284927 into your web browser at 12:30 p.m. For those who wish to pay their respects, a visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2020, at Proko Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., with limited family present (due to the current health crisis). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Kenosha, Faith Lutheran Church in Swanburg, MN, or the local Kenosha PEO chapter.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Marilyn’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com

Condolences

Terry Cisler Modory July 16, 2020
To the Olafs Family:I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Mother. I will always remember her as a wonderful and kind neighbor. Her smile and positive attitude towards life were gifts she shared with everyone she met. I am sure that each of you have many memories that fill your hearts. May those memories comfort you now and in the days ahead. My love and sympathy to each of you.
Dave Olufs July 16, 2020
She was the best Aunt... never missed calling on my birthday almost within a month or two...
Mark and Cindy Bialon July 16, 2020
While stopping over to say hello, Marilyn would always invite us in to chat, no matter how busy she was. We fondly remember the many stories Marilyn would tell us of her summers spent up north at the resort when she was a girl. She always left you wanting more. Both Marilyn and Bob were delightful neighbors who fostered a sense of community along the street, church, and everywhere they were. They are going to be forever missed.God’s Peace, Mark and Cindy Bialon
Sharon Wernecke July 15, 2020
Marilyn was such a sweet person. So caring. She loved spending time at the resort with family. You must have tons of fun memories. We were in the Red Hats together which was fun, as well. God's richest blessings. Sharon Wernecke
Ottie Bruno July 15, 2020
Dear Karen, Steve, Karl, Kathy, Janet, Spouses and Families, I was deeply saddened to read of your mother’s passing in the online Kenosha News. We have so many wonderful memories of spending time with both of your parents at Jane Vernon and socially as couples. They were both a great and positive influence on us early in our marriage and careers. They were both wonderful role models. May you be comforted during these difficult times by the memories of the many happy moments you shared. Speaking of happy moments, I was surprised and pleased to see that the resort in Minnesota is still in the family. I know how much joy and pride it brought to your folks. Listening to their stories, I know it was a labor of love! With heartfelt sympathy,Ottie & LouAnn Bruno Orlando, Fl.
Karl Kopp July 15, 2020
I’d like to send my heartfelt sympathy on the family’s loss. I enjoyed hearing stories about Marilyn shared by Karen when we worked together. I know she will be missed.Karl Kopp, Society’s Assets
Mary Hoey July 15, 2020
Dear Janet, Arni and family,I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Janet's mom. My deepest sympathy to your entire family.Mary Hoey