Marilyn Rae Strakowski

Marilyn Rae Strakowski passed after a long battle with illness on August 11, 2025 surrounded by family, just a few days from her 87th birthday. Marilyn was born August 14, 1938 in Des Moines, Iowa to Raymond F. and Elizabeth C (Ellis) Houseman. Due to WWII and her father’s consistent career advancement, she grew up all around the county – starting in Iowa; then Washington DC; Long Island, New York; Springfield, Massachusetts and finally finished high school at Webster Groves in St. Louis, Missouri. After high school, while her parents were moving to Dallas, Texas, she matriculated at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana where she majored in Psychology, and met her future husband, Richard Strakowski. They tell the story that she thought he was rich, only to learn later he was named Rich. They were married March 26, 1960, achieving their 65th anniversary this year.  They moved to Nappanee in August 1961 where they remained throughout her life.  Marilyn initially dedicated her primary energy to raising her three sons, Steve (b. 1961), Jeff (b. 1963) and Mark (b. 1967). She raised her sons to be curious, kind and educated, with an eye toward helping others. Keeping the three boys out of trouble kept her busy, but eventually with them settled into school and a little older, she obtained her Indiana teaching license to teach early elementary grades (first through third) at Union Center School. She received her master’s degree in education in 1978 from Indiana University and became a reading specialist for the Wa-Nee community school district. She was a beloved teacher – respected, sought after, and committed to her students. Her “kids” at school came in a close second in her affections and attentions to that of her family; her family to this day hear of the important influence she had on students’ lives. She taught until retirement in 1995. After retirement, she and Richard used their time to travel around the world, to the United Kingdom, Alaska, Hawaii, and annually to Florida. She was active in her church and the Nappanee community by supporting political causes of personal justice, caring for others, and kindness. She was an avid reader, continuously learning, and volunteered at the public library. She also enjoyed painting lighthouses and landscapes. She was cheerful with an infectious laugh. She is survived by her husband Richard Strakowski, her three sons and their wives - Steve and Stacy (Davis) Strakowski, Jeff Strakowski and Danielle Guffrey, and Mark and Kristi (Templin) Strakowski, as well as eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and her sister Katherine (Houseman) Lobert.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Elizabeth Houseman and sister Patricia Houseman.  Marilyn was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher and member of the Nappanee community. Her death leaves the world less bright and kind. She will be deeply missed by many. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 12pm at the Nappanee United Methodist Church to celebrate her life.