Marilyn Gusloff Hirtle

Marilyn Elaine (Olson) Gusloff/Hirtle was born on December 13,1934 to Martin and Elsie (Johnson) Olson. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 12, 2025. She is survived by her 3 children Steven (Martha) Gusloff, Susan (Scott) Sanford, Thomas (Kathleen) Gusloff, 4 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, sister Gloria (Richard) Thode, nieces and nephews, extended family and many dear friends. She will undoubtedly be welcomed into heaven by her 2 loving husbands, Richard Gusloff and Thomas Hirtle, and her grandson Russell Gusloff. Marilyn grew up in Rock Island, IL, raised her family in Elmhurst, IL and spent her later years in Wisconsin and Arizona. She lived a full and beautiful life amidst the pain of experiencing heavy losses-which she always attributed to her faith in Jesus. Marilyn attended Illinois State University, Rosary College and NIU. She went on to touch many lives by teaching K-8 art for 20 years. She was a gifted artist, creating beautiful art of her own and inspiring her children and grandchildren to find passion in art as well. She was quite an adventurer and enjoyed travelfrom special trips with her grandchildren to Alaskan cruises to Europe (and her homeland of Sweden) to a mission trip painting school murals in Mexico. Marilyn valued her many close friendships and she was loved by all (even being crowned homecoming queen!). Her faith in God was the guiding force of her life since childhood, when she joined the Presbyterian church on her own and her family followed suit. She lived by her Christian values and was a member of the PEO Sisterhood and Questers. Her grandchildren will never forget how much fun they had with her, her bell collection, her sleeping sand, and how she was always up for anything. She also truly loved coffee and was known to have a cup in her hand at all hours of the day or night. We will miss her sweet presence dearly, but we are grateful for the blessing she has been in our lives. Not long ago, Marilyn recorded her life story and titled it Happy Trails. She wrote: "My life story IS a Happy Trail. God has guided and blessed my journey. When I reach the end of the trail, please shed no tears, because I know its only the end of the first act. Smile! The best is yet to come! Happy Trails to you, Until we meet againHappy Trails to you. Keep smiling until then" A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Pedersen Ryberg 435 N York St, Elmhurst, IL, from 10am-1pm with prayer service to follow. Interment private.
Visitation
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home
435 N York St
Elmhurst IL 60126
US
(630) 834-1133
(630) 530-1666
Funeral Service
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
1:00 PM -
Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home
435 N York St
Elmhurst IL 60126
US
(630) 834-1133
(630) 530-1666
Funeral Home
Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home
435 N York St
Elmhurst IL - 60126
US
(630) 834-1133
(630) 530-1666 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Marilyn, please visit our Tree Store.