Marilyn J. (Blazek) Levendofsky

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Marilyn Levendofsky 

1937-2024

On Thursday, February 29th, Marilyn Levendofsky passed away quietly with her family at Republic County hospital in Belleville, Kansas.  She was 86.

Marilyn was born during the Great Depression on August 24, 1937 at Cuba, Kansas.  Her parents were Joseph Blazek and Gayle (Nemec) Blazek.  Marilyn worked and grew up on their farm along with her two brothers, James and Robert.  Her parents raised turkeys as well as farmed.  She attended school at Cuba and graduated high school in 1955.  Marilyn was always proud of her Czech heritage and loved the community and people there.

As a teenager she worked for both the Kravmore 81 and Dinner Bell restaurants on 81 & 36 highways.  Marilyn remarked that Belleville was booming during those years due to highway construction.

On January 4, 1956, she married George Levendofsky at the St. Edward Catholic Church in Belleville.  Marilyn remembered her wedding day was sunny and 70 degrees. Their marriage was happy and George was devoted to Marilyn.

To this union were born four children, Janet, Linda, Debbie and Frank.  They lived on their farm 6 miles north of Belleville just off Highway 81.  During her marriage with George, Marilyn worked tirelessly taking care of children, cooking meals, running farm errands and driving trucks during harvest.  Many hired hands and feed salesmen enjoyed her delicious meals and homemade pies. She greatly enjoyed farm life and raising her family there.  In addition, she also helped take care of several elderly relatives.  For Marilyn it was a joy to help people no matter how busy she was.  In addition, Marilyn was an active member of the St. Edward Catholic Church in Belleville and the altar society.  She enjoyed helping with fund-raising and cooking for funeral dinners.  Marilyn and George had many friends and farm neighbors. They enjoyed going dancing, visiting, hosting dinner parties and Sunday drives after church,

When her children went to school Marilyn started to work at various jobs in Belleville.  Marilyn worked several years for the Sears Store with Jack and Sue Collins.  She always had a passion for clothing and fashion.  She worked several years for the Village Shop.  In 1977, she opened the Mode O’ Day clothing store.  She enjoyed running this business with her 3 girls.  At this time she joined the Belleville Chamber of Commerce.  Later she worked at Truman’s, men’s store in Belleville for Alan Engle and House of Shoes for Bob Knudsen.  Marilyn also worked at the Belleville Health Care Center where she was chosen employee of the month on several occasions.  Again, she loved helping the residents there.  Finally, for the past 25 years she worked for Bachelor-Surber, a local funeral home.  Marilyn greatly enjoyed working with John, Steve, Don and Waylon.  She fondly referred to them as “the guys”.  Marilyn was always willing to work compassionately with grieving families.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband George, brothers Bob and Jim Blazek, her parents, Joe and Gayle Blazek, in-laws Frank and Ella Levendofsky, Lawrence (Gladys) Francis (Iolene) John, (Harriet) Levendofsky, (Elwin) Scofield, (Marvin) Mary Michels  and a special personal friend Wayne Fisher. 

She is survived by her daughter Janet (Dan Renz) of Ruskin, Nebraska, Linda (Brad Firley) of Deshler, Nebraska, Debbie (Lee Gould) of Salina, KS and Frank (Lina) Levendofsky of Salina, KS.

Marilyn has 3 grandchildren, Brittney (Gabe) Gauthier, of Brainard, Ne, Brady (Hannah) Firley of O’Neil, Ne and Danielle Renz of Ruskin, NE.  In addition she has two great-grandchildren, Beau and Gracie Gauthier.  Marilyn is also survived by her brother-in-law Paul Levendofsky and sister-in-laws Marjorie Blazek, Ellen Scofield, and Fayrene Levendofsky.  She also has numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marilyn’s family is deeply grateful for the care she received from Dr. Beaver, the Republic County Hospital, Belleville Healthcare Center, Intermediate Long Term Care and Meadowlark Hospice.

      Friends may call at Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home from 1:00-7:00 PM on Friday, March 8th. Family will greet friends from 5 -7 PM, with a Vigil/Rosary to be held at 7 PM on Friday

        Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM Saturday, March 9, 2024 at St. Edward Catholic Church, Belleville, KS, with Rev. Joseph Kieffer, celebrant.   Burial will be at St. Josaphat Catholic Cemetery northwest of Belleville.

        A funeral dinner for family and friends will be held following the burial at the Sacred Heart Center.

        Memorials may be made to the Marilyn Levendofsky family.

        Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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