Marlene J. Rydeski

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Marlene J. Rydeski, 86, a long-time resident of Wakefield, passed away in comfort and dignity at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield, on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, amidst her family and loved ones who cared for her.

Marlene was born on May 4, 1939, in Ironwood, a daughter of John and Amelia (Taglienti) Chernak. Marlene graduated from A.D. Johnston High School, Bessemer, with the class of 1957. During her senior year, she was elected Battalion Reserve Officers' Training Corps. (ROTC) queen. Upon graduation, she was employed by the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, as a stenographer/clerk.

On Feb. 6, 1960, she married Michael A. Rydeski at Christ the King Catholic Church in Ramsay, by the late Rev. Louis C. Cappo. They made their home in Wakefield and were blessed with five children.

Marlene was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield and the Immaculate Conception Women's Guild and Honor Guard. She was a supporting member of the Ladies Auxiliary to Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 and for some time, served as the conductress.

Marlene was an accordion player in her husband's polka band, "Mike Rydeski & the Polka Jacks." Together they entertained at various civic functions, nursing homes, weddings, anniversary parties, New Year's Eve parties and performed with the entire band at festivals in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Marlene and Mike also performed on Carl Pellonpaa's TV program, "Finland Calling." One of the highlights she and her husband enjoyed was a Caribbean polka cruise with America's polka king, Frankie Yankovic.

Marlene enjoyed reading, knitting, doing crossword puzzles, crafts, coffee socials with friends and playing the accordion. Her greatest joy was spending time and visits with family, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved and adored.

Marlene is survived by her husband of 65 years, Mike; a son, John (Jan), Merrill, Wisconsin; four daughters, Susan (Russ) Heibel, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Paula (Greg) Schroeder, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Missy (Mick) Lane, Wakefield, and Stacey (Geoff) Eldred, Lowell, Michigan; 12 grandchildren, Molly, Anna, and Matthew Rydeski, Dr. Chelsea (Dr. Tim) McElroy, Carly (Michal) Brnakova, Adam (Alexis) Heibel, Kurt Schroeder, Nolan (Nicole) Schroeder, Eric (Kaitlyn) Lane, Kevin (Darienne) Lane, and Reid and Rowan Eldred; eight great-grandchildren, Declan and Corrie McElroy, Otto and Vera Brnakova, Levi and Mia Heibel, Blaik and Baiker Lane, and two more great-grandchildren on the way; a niece, Dianna (Dennis) Kelly, Rochester, Michigan, and their children, Dana and Daniel; numerous cousins; and a very special, dear family friend, Ed Baginski, Ironwood.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John, in 1992, and Amelia, in 1997; and her sister, Karen Chernak, in 2022.

The family extends a heartfelt and sincere thank you to both the staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility and the Oncology and Lab Departments at Aspirus, Ironwood for their wonderful and loving care provided to Marlene.

Rite of Committal will be held on Monday, Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. at the Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield. The Rev. Christian Flagstadt will preside.

Following the service, a luncheon will be served at the VFW Post 9084, 107 E. U.S. 2, Wakefield.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.