Dorothy Lee Marak

Dorothy was born on October 26, 1938, to John and Gertie Wenzel in Rockdale, Texas. She graduated from Thorndale High School, where she played the French horn in the school band. Dorothy also played the organ for church services. After high school, Dorothy attended Nixon Clay Business College, which served her well as she ran two separate businesses - Dee’s Originals Monogramming first and later Langford Delivery Services.

In 1956, Dorothy married her beloved husband, Willie I. Marak. Shortly after marrying, Willie joined the Army and they were headed to Germany. All clearances and IDs were issued when Dorothy found out she was pregnant. She remained stateside for this reason, but exchanged many love letters with Willie as she prepared for their first child, Deborah. Dorothy and Willie would later have a son Michael and another daughter, the surprise and caboose, Patricia, who kept them young.

Willie and Dorothy were a loving couple who generously opened their home to others who needed a place to stay, including all of their siblings. Dorothy continued that generous nature, making sure her door was always open, never turning anyone away. She was always a caregiver, but the hardest job was caring for Willie following his ALS diagnosis. Dorothy was not a nurse by trade, but after caring for Willie, she earned the honorary title of “nurse”.

Most weekends, the Marak or Wenzel families would gather to visit, play games, and, of course, eat. Whether for a fish fry, BBQ, or homemade ice-cream, Dorothy was in the thick of cooking. Many a night ended with a rambunctious game of dominos. Throughout her life, Dorothy continued to enjoy games, especially Mexican Train and Forty-Two dominos. She hosted game night for her neighbors and proved to be sharp as a tack, generally winning most games she played. Often before games, Dorothy would enjoy Mexican food at her favorite restaurant, Tres Amigos, while sipping on a margarita.

Dorothy loved being around family and friends. When the grandchildren came along, Dorothy cared for many of them. She especially loved making pancakes and cookies with Corbin, Willie, and Ben. For Rachel, grandma always had chocolate syrup for that special glass of chocolate milk.

Dorothy was active in her community and church, being involved with the Delwood Optimist and the Sacred Heart softball programs. She also coached girls’ softball, achieving many winning seasons while loving the girls as much as they loved her.Dorothy also served as President of the Delwood Optimisses Club and in various PTAs throughout the years.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gertie Wenzel and her husband Willie I. Marak. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Deborah and John Luquette, her son and his partner Michael Marak and Laurie Steger, daughter and son-in-law Patricia and Gary Zarate, grandsons Corbin (Lauren) Marak, William Zarate, and Ben Zarate, granddaughter Rachel (Patton) Ritter, and great-grandson Rhett Ritter. She is also survived by her sister Irene (Charles) Whitsel, brother Glenn (Barbara) Wenzel, sister-in-law Helen (Forest) Walker, and sister-in-law Betty Marak as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation and rosary service will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas. Visitation will be from 5:00–7:00 p.m. The rosary will start at 7:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady’s Maronites Catholic Church, 1320 East 51st St. in Austin, Texas. Interment will be held at Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum, 3650 South Interstate 35, Austin, Texas.