Leola Catherine Marek, age 91 of River Falls, died on April 11, 2018 at Our House Senior Living, surrounded by her family. Leola was born April 30, 1926 in Trimbelle Township, WI to parents Theodore Joseph and Dena (Lorena Mary Buck) Mark. She attended schools in Ellsworth. Leola was united in marriage to Jerome Marek on November 14, 1945. Their union in marriage would be blessed with eleven children and Leola adored her life with their family.

A devoted wife and mother, Leola lived the life of a farm wife. Her life revolved around her children, and she would care for them any way she could. She was always there to help. Leola also grew beautiful and bountiful gardens, and canned much of what she grew. Leola loved to sew and crochet, and was a gifted quilter as well. She crocheted a precious blanket for every new baby in the family. Not only did she make baby blankets for others, but she made them with love. Her family cherishes the many items made from her hands. Leola enjoyed reading books, and found time, daily, to pray the Rosary. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Leola is survived by her children, Richard (Marcia) Marek, Catherine (Roger) Oestreich, Linda (John) Patraw, Janie Marek, Randall (Janice) Marek, Norman (Tracy) Marek, Dena (Carlos) Figi, Rebecca (Ronald) Radke, Melissa (Jeff) Hayes, and Sandra (Brian) Gilbertson; twenty-six grandchildren; and thirty-eight great-grandchildren, with another expected in June. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Leola was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome; an infant son, Theodore Francis Marek; her parents, her brother, Harry; and her sister, Theodora.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Monday, April 16th at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church of River Falls, with Rev. Fr. Jerry Harris officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass at church, and also from 3:00-6:00pm on Sunday at the church. Leola will be laid to rest beside her husband Jerome at St. Mary’s Big River Catholic Church Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls, WI. 715-425-5644