Marian Louise Gaulke

Marian Louise (Ritt) Gaulke age 92, was born December 12, 1931, in Crystal Lake, Illinois to Louis and Hilda (Dehmlow) Ritt. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake being baptized, confirmed, and married there. She attended Immanuel Lutheran Elementary School and graduated from Crystal Lake Central High School. She married her beloved husband Richard “Dick” Gaulke of Barrington on October 4, 1952. They lived in Barrington for several years before moving to Lake in the Hills and later Algonquin. Marian was a dedicated employee for Jewel Tea Company in Barrington for over 40 years as an Accounting Clerk. During those years, many work friends became family. Marian loved to play cards and was in several card clubs throughout the years with good friends and family. She also loved her church family at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Algonquin and was part of PTL, Ladies of St. John's Finance Committee and participated in many church events and get-togethers. Most of all, Marian loved being with family. She attended many of her grandchildren’s sports events and school activities. It didn’t really matter what they were doing if she could be around everyone. While at the Fountains Assisted Living the last 5 years, Marian would hardly miss a bingo game on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Neither would she turn down the invitation to play pinochle, euchre or dominoes. She quickly became friends with many of the residents and everyone loved her smile. During the last six months, Marian was attended to by Marilyn Lee, a loving live-in caregiver. Marian was a loving mother to Linda (Jack) Butler of Gilbert, AZ; Patricia (Robert) Stidham of Boynton Beach, FL; and Donna (Joseph) Stefinsky of Cary, IL; caring grandmother of Roberta/Bobbi (Steve) Johnson, Heather (Donovon) Carter, Michael Butler (Mila Ivany), Heidi Stone (Darryl Hudson), Jason Stone, Ryan (Jade) Vladesov, Corey Vladesov (Victoria Salamowicz) & Shana Vladesov; great-grandmother of Kaylee & Rebecca Johnson, Mason & Brodie Carter, Aiden & Austin Butler, Dylan Stone and Deva & Demi Hudson. Fond aunt of many wonderful nieces and nephews. Marian is survived by her sister, Lois (Kenneth) Haase of Napoleon, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years Richard Gaulke, brothers Vernon and Raymond Ritt, parents Louis & Hilda (Dehmlow) Ritt and stepmother, Virginia Ritt. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Willow Funeral Home 1415 W. Algonquin Rd., (one mile west of Rt. 31) Algonquin. She will lie in state on Saturday morning, February 17, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until time of a 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service at St. John's Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin, with Pastor Jeremy Latzke officiating. Interment will follow at Windridge Memorial Park in Cary, Illionois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church-Algonquin or Journey Care Hospice of Barrington. For additional information: (847) 458-1700. 

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