Kocurek

Marilyn Marie Moeller Kocurek, 72, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully on Aug. 14, 2026, after a long illness. She was born on Feb. 20, 1954 in Columbus to Victor and DeLois (Suchadoll) Moeller. Marilyn graduated from Columbus High School in 1972. On July 11, 1982, she married Joe Kocurek in Fayetteville. The marriage brought their lives and families together, and he welcomed her three children into his heart and they became one family.

Marilyn was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked various jobs throughout her life, primarily in the food service industry, where she made many lasting friendships and had many beloved customers. She was also a homemaker and ran an in-home daycare, where she treated the children in her care as if they were her own.

Raised in Lone Oak, Marilyn learned the value of hard work at an early age, helping on the family farm and at the Moeller Feed Mill. She carried that strong work ethic and love of home into her adult life. She was a talented and creative quilter, a wonderful cook, and took great pride in preserving food from the garden she shared with her husband. Her homemade pickles were a favorite of everyone who had the pleasure of tasting them and her holiday meals were legendary.

Above all else, Marilyn treasured her family. She loved her three children and her grandchildren fiercely, and they were the purpose and meaning of her life. Her love, generosity, creativity, and devotion to those around her will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Joe Kocurek; her children, Jason Hahn and wife Paloma, Kari Hahn Goerlitz and husband Roger, and Courtney Hahn Benson. Grandchildren, Ismael Navarrete, Adrian Navarrete, Leo Navarrete, Ryan Goerlitz and Hanna, Jacey Goerlitz Randall and Jensen, Jamie Schaper and Hayden, Jaiden Goerlitz, Kamryn Goerlitz and fiancé Josh, Landon Benson and fiancé Lindsey and Brinley Benson; and her great-grandchildren, Lane and Andrew Goerlitz.

She is also survived by her sisters, JoAnn Zapalac, Debbie Dudensing and husband Royce, and Teresa Moeller and Gary Grayson; and her brothers-in-law Jimmy Kneblik and Jimmy Zapalac and her aunts, Eudene Richter and husband Ernie, and Dorothy Moeller and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and DeLois Moeller; parentsin- law, Jerome and Mary Kocurek; her grandparents Ben and Annie Moeller and Hubert and Lucy Suchadoll; her brother, David Moeller; her sister, Kathy Kneblik; and her son-in-law, Brandon Benson.

The family extends its most sincere gratitude to the entire staff of TLC Nursing Home in Columbus for the amazing care, compassion, and kindness they gave to Marilyn.

A private-family celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus.