Marilyn Kay Gerk entered eternal life on Monday, July 17th, 2023. A Vigil Service and Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 6:00 pm, Friday, July 21st at Chaney Reager Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, July 22nd at St Anthony Catholic Church. Marilyn will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery.

Marilyn Kay Gerk was born February 28th, 1957, to Barbara Fehringer and James Schaefer in Sterling, CO. She was the middle child of seven and spoke fondly of her childhood, filled with family and adventure on the farm. Family was important to Marilyn, spending holidays together and keeping family traditions alive. She organized many Easter egg hunts and Christmas celebrations for not only her children, but nieces and nephews alike and eventually her grandchildren. Marilyn's Catholic faith and belief in God were evident in her everyday life and how she interacted with all those she encountered. Full of humility and selflessness; she loved and served all those she knew through her final days.

Marilyn married the love of her life, James Gerk, on October 9th, 1976 and they were married 46 years. Nothing brought her more joy than watching her children and grandchildren in all of their activities. She also enjoyed travelling; taking trips to Austria, the Caribbean, Maui, Kauai, Alaska, the Northeastern US and many states in-between. She especially enjoyed their 40th anniversary vacation to Disney World with the whole family. She kept up with her grandchildren on rollercoasters, snorkeling and ziplining.

As an accomplished seamstress, quilter, crafter and scrapbooker; Marilyn was always making something. She enjoyed teaching others to cook and sew.

The farmers of Logan County knew her to be knowledgeable and helpful in her position at the Farm Service Agency. Guiding many of them over the course of her 36-year career.

She was touched by all the community members who spoke kind and encouraging words during her battle with cancer. All of the prayers and encouragement meant so much to her.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Jim, children; Troy, Kristin (Brandon) Nichols, Jeremy (Jamie) and grandchildren; Brayden (Jaecey) Nichols, Ryanne Nichols, Kylie, Jaiden, Ali and Jessa Gerk. Her siblings Steve (Cathy) Schaefer, Rod (Lois) Schaefer, Jeanette (Rich) Beam, Joan (Gary) Marin, Gerry (Carrie) Schaefer and DeeAnn (Glenn) Ross; in-laws, Julie (Herman) Maynard, Janice Green, Dan (Joann) Gerk; her many nieces and nephews; lifelong friends Darlene Denton, Pam Fey and many others.

She was preceded in death by her parents and in-laws, Ray and Dorothy Gerk.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Marilyn K. Gerk Memorial Fund, PO Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751, to be distributed to local charities.