Marilyn J. Simak

Marilyn J. Simak , age 92, of Kelloggsville, OH,  passed away peacefully at UH Conneaut Medical Center on Friday, April 12, 2024.

Marilyn was born October 5, 1931, in North Kingsville, OH to the late William R. and Florence (Rennick) Applebee. She was raised in Kelloggsville, along with three brothers and six sisters. She attended Kingsville school, where she met her future husband in the third grade. She was academically inclined from a young age. On August 30, 1947, Marilyn married her childhood sweetheart, Joseph E. Simak, in Westfield N.Y.  Not long after, they purchased their farm in Monroe and started a family. Marilyn was a dedicated wife and mother; she absolutely loved her family. She worked several jobs throughout the years, helping to provide for them.  She went on to graduate from Kent State University in 1974 with her teaching degree, after raising her children. She taught for several years at South Ridge Christian Academy, until deciding to pursue business alongside her husband and children at Simak Trucking & Excavating, Inc. She managed the company over the years, where she later retired. She was a dedicated member of the Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was guided by her love for Jesus and her family. She loved to read and spread the word of the gospel. Her love for Joe really showed. They worked together, traveled together, danced together, and lived life together with so many blessings along the way. Marilyn was an amazing woman; she dedicated her life to the Lord’s work. She always donated to the church, and many other organizations throughout her time here. At age 86, she wrote and published “The Journey,” a book about her hardships and victories. She wanted to share her story and how God worked in her life. Marilyn was a true staple to the community, the church, and her family. She will always be remembered for her kind and loving heart. Marilyn was the true patriarch of the Simak family.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Joseph W. (Toni) Simak, Jon (Debbie) Simak, and Marti (Bob) Picard; grandchildren, Manuela (Mark) Mosier, Tony (Paula) Balascio, Michael (Anita) Balascio, Eric (Kathleen) McCroskey, Michelle (Robert) Shetler, Jodi Simak-Cronk, Nicole (Timothy) Bruckman, Jeremy (Christa) Simak, Lori (David) Stright, Jaimie (Scotty) Lester; thirty great-grandchildren and twelve great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws, Beverly Applebee and Mary Ann (Norman) Thorpe, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her loving husband of 74 years, Joseph Simak; parents William R. and Florence Applebee; siblings, Edna (Francis) Kitchen, Ethel (Walter) Anderson, Eleanore (Raymond Leatherman/Paul Dehner) Dehner, William (Effie) Applebee, Doris (Robert) Furmage, Elizabeth (Paul) Sheneman, Lois (Edward) Detrick, Donald Applebee, and John (Bonnie) Applebee; great-granddaughter Skilyr Hicks; and great-great-granddaughter Everleigh Hicks.

Funeral service will be 12:00 PM, Friday, April 19, 2024 at Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene, 4841 Bushnell Rd., Conneaut, OH.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Thursday, April 18, 2024 and also from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at noon on Friday, all at the Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kelloggsville Church of the Nazarene, 4841 Bushnell Rd., Conneaut, OH 44030 or Northeast Joint Fire District, 4095 Center Rd., Conneaut, OH 44030

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