Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Arlene Marek Obituary
Arlene Rose (Kalafut ) Marek. Born on January 7, 1942, in Chicago, IL. At rest on June 9, 2025, while in Hospice care at Sunny Hill Nursing Home in Joliet, IL
Daughter of the late Stanley and Sophie (Gargas) Kalafut.
Preceded in death by her husband, Thomas (Max) Marek, and infant daughters, Tina and Tracy Marek.
Survived by her children, Tom (Dionne) Marek, Tammy (Shaun) Thompson, Carrie (Dave) Roth, and Jeffery Marek.
A loving “Babush” to Samantha and Ashley Marek, McKinley and Patrick Thompson.
Arlene helped Max run his Service Stations and their Maxar Bus business. She was an avid and talented seamstress who created and altered many brides and bridal parties’ dresses, as well as sewing some of the best Halloween costumes. She was well known for her chocolate chip cookies and brownies.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Angelica Village Sewing Club in Lakewood, CO will help continue Arlene's passion for sewing. She donated her sewing machines and supplies to this group earlier in the year. Please add "Sewing Club" to the On behalf of box on the donation page https://www.angelicavillage.org/get-involved
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
7020 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights, IL 60463
People and places connected with Arlene
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Arlene Marek
Tell your own story about Arlene
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Arlene Marek's name
How to support Arlene's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Arlene Marek's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
