Marilyn A. Bonk

Marilyn was born in Chicago on February 11, 1951, and passed away on September 26, 2025, at the age of 74, surrounded by her family’s love. A lover of butterflies and the color purple, Marilyn had a gentle spirit, a caring heart, and an easy sense of humor that touched everyone who knew her.

She delighted in being “Aunt Marilyn” to her seven nieces, Sarah (Al), Ann (Justin), Katie (Tyler), Laura (Bryan), Paige (Matt), Lynea (Nick), and Brooke (Joey), always pointing out there were “no boys!”. When those nieces gave her 13 great-nieces and nephews — most of them boys — she found it endlessly amusing and loved showing them off to her friends.

Family was everything to Marilyn, and the especially close bond she shared with hers was a constant source of joy. Her siblings, Martha (Norm), Paul (Mary Beth), Mark (Jean), and Maria (Phil) were her closest companions through life and she collected a lifetime of memories alongside them. She also leaves behind beloved cousins, dear friends from her past and from Hearthstone Assisted Living, and her sweet dog, Lilly. We are thankful to the staff at Hearthstone for their patience and compassion, to not only Marilyn, but to all. We are especially grateful for the devoted care, companionship, and friendship of Nadine Jens, with whom Marilyn shared countless adventures.

Marilyn enjoyed traveling, game shows, family parties, getting her nails done, and taking pictures (mostly with disposable cameras). And while she may have claimed otherwise, she was never “too shy” to dance, especially if it was an Elvis tune! More than anything, she loved every gathering that gave her the chance to be surrounded by the people she loved most.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Marie Bonk, and her brother, Mark Bonk. We are comforted knowing she was welcomed with the biggest hugs — and some ice cream!

Please wear purple in her honor and take notice of the simple beauty in a butterfly.

Visitation will be on Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. The memorial mass will be Monday, October 6, 2025 starting at 10:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church, 820 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.