Marilyn Loock

1932 - 2017

Marilyn Loock, 85, of San Diego, went to be with the Lord on September 20, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 26, 1932, to Henry and Louise Voigt of Peoria, Illinois, she graduated from Bradley University, Valedictorian of her class. Marilyn taught in Peoria until marrying a Seminary student, Lambert Loock, on June 9, 1957. The young couple vicared in Inglewood, CA for one year with first child Kathy. Soon after, they embarked on a three year missionary adventure to Nigeria, West Africa, where sons Tim and Joel were born. It was only after army ants crawled across Tim's crib and her husband nearly died from a scorpion bite that they decided to return to the States. Marilyn happily served with her husband at churches in Versailles, Missouri, Ft. Worth, Texas, Norwalk, CA, and Burbank, where they finally settled. By then the family was complete with the birth of Paul. Marilyn was the consummate pastor's wife, homemaker, and mother, teaching Sunday School and VBS, and never complaining about the frequent moves and expertly helping her children adjust to new homes and schools. It was in Norwalk that she began teaching again, her "second love". Marilyn's family always came first, but she loved every minute she was in the classroom, teaching 1st and 3rd graders over a span of nearly 35 years. Marilyn taught at Faith Lutheran School in Whittier, First Lutheran School in Burbank and First Lutheran in Monrovia. Her students loved her and many remember her to this day. She organized the "Jump Rope for Hearts" Campaign every year, as well as the Monrovia Days Parade entry, and manned bake sales. Marilyn ended her teaching career reluctantly while serving at First Lutheran School in Monrovia, retiring only after suffering a massive heart attack while in the classroom. She requested that paramedics not be called so as not to frighten the children. Thus began her next great adventure, retirement in San Diego. The four of us were blessed to have the best mom in the world. Even when working, she was always there for us, offering advice, helping with last minute school projects, or refereeing disagreements. On birthdays we were "King" or "Queen" for the day ad got to pick our favorite meals. She never yelled or said an unkind word about anyone. Our Christmas memories are filled with snowball cookies and 7 layer bars. Thanksgiving meant "inside and outside" dressing and pecan pie. Easters were eggs filled with candy and coins. Mom never missed a baseball, football, or basketball game and her capacity for love grew with every grandchild. Each addition to the family brought more joy and more swimming lessons, tennis matches and school plays to enjoy. Mom became quite skilled at sewing on Cub Scout and Boy Scout merit badges. Her delicious cooking, soft, puffy cheeks and a voice that stayed forever young will always be remembered. She and dad had a happy and active retirement in San Diego, enjoying two mile walks every day around Del Mar Heights Shopping Center. They knew everyone by name and everyone knew them. Mom enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, Altar Guild, and Dorcas Society at church, baking, trying out new restaurants and spending time with her family. Marilyn never complained no matter what challenges came her way. She beat cancer twice, undergoing both chemotherapy and radiation, never missing a day of work. She endured the loss of a son with grace and dignity and kept her shattered family from falling apart. Her final and greatest adventure came four years ago when told she only had two months to live due to severe congestive heart failure. However, she was chosen by the LVAD Team at Scripps La Jolla to receive a mechanical heart and came through the surgery with flying colors. She was a model patient and surprised everyone with her rapid recovery. Marilyn loved going to cardiac rehab three times per week and being an ambassador for the program, encouraging prospective LVAD patients and attending group meetings. She led a full and active life for over four more years and even went through training to be a volunteer in the new Prebys Hospital. She could not wait to wear her blue smock and "pay it forward". The family is eternally grateful to the LVAD Team for the four extra years of life we had with this remarkable woman and owe it all to your expertise and loving care. Marilyn is survived by her husband of sixty years Lambert, her brother David (Sue) of Michigan, daughter Kathy, son Tim (deceased), son Joel (Becky), son Paul (Julie), grandchildren Evan Stahl, Noah, Shane, Connor, McKenna and Liam Loock, Olivia and Rose Loock, Reece and Landon Loock, and great-grandson Wesley Loock. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the LVAD Program at Scripps La Jolla Hospital, 9898 Genessee, 3rd Floor, La Jolla, CA, 92037, (858) 824-5333