Marilyn Edna Werk

Marilyn E. Werk, 89, of St. Louis, MO passed away on Monday, September 14, 2026 after a brief illness. Marilyn was an only child to parents George and Hazel Reppel. Born in St. Louis, MO on January 23, 1937. She was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, Class of 1955.

As a young adult Marilyn enjoyed time with her friends traveling to places like New York or cruising around South St. Louis in the 1956 Chevy Bel Air Power Pack that she proudly purchased on her own. She enjoyed her season tickets to the St. Louis Hawks basketball games. Marilyn also loved dancing the night away with her friends at the Imperial Dance Club where she met the love of her life, Donald.

Marilyn and Donald were married April 24,1965, and proudly celebrated 50 years of marriage. They had one son, Michael, born in 1966, he was the light of their lives. Marilyn cherished her role as a wife, mother and homemaker. Before becoming a mother, Marilyn worked many years at Southwestern Bell as a key punch specialist.

After Donald’s retirement, they moved to Mountain Home, AR where they enjoyed boating and spending time together. After Donald’s passing, Marilyn relocated to Herculaneum, MO to be close to family. She enjoyed watching her granddaughter’s grow up and supporting them in their activities.

Marilyn enjoyed league bowling, watching FOX News, The Price is Right, Survivor and The Bold and the Beautiful. She was a lifelong passionate fan of St. Louis Cardinals baseball.

Marilyn had a weekly Friday routine of getting her hair done, shopping at Wal-Mart and going to lunch at one of her favorite places, Taco Bell, Cracker Barrel or McDonalds. She was particularly fond of Diet Coke, tissues, cleaning supplies, dental floss and Mickey Gilley.

Marilyn spent the last two years of her life at Delmar Garden Villas South where she enjoyed a full social life with Happy Hour, meals with friends, BINGO, and she even joined the Wii bowling league.

Marilyn lived a very full life as a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Her kind heart and feistiness will be missed by her family and dear friends.

Marilyn was a regular donor to numerous charities. In honor of her giving spirit, the family would like to request that in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Gaitway, Inc., a place very special to Marilyn’s granddaughter, Lily Werk. Gaitway is a girls only equine facilitated learning program that teaches girls essential life skills. Donations can be made at gaitwayinc.org or mailed to Gaitway Inc. 5327 Liberty School Rd. Suite 101 Hillsboro, MO 63050.

Marilyn is survived by her son, Michael (Carla) Werk of Imperial, MO; grandchildren, Elise, Emily, and Lily Werk; nieces, Tammy (Don) Straight and Trudy (Dwight) Schultz; and her dear lifelong devoted friend, Ruth Krueger.

A memorial visitation will be held at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Belleville, IL 62223 on Tuesday, September 29 from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 am. Inurnment will follow the service at Valhalla Gardens of Memory.