Marlene Helen Ernat

1931 - 2025

Marlene Helen Ernat

July 22, 1931 - August 24, 2025

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, Marlene Ernat, died on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the age of 94.

Marlene was the glue of our home and family. She guided and raised three children, Linda Strohschein (Marcus), David Ernat (Barbara Fortin), and Dan Ernat (Dana). She attended to the needs of many pets and loved them as her own children. Her home was loving and hectic. Hugs, kisses, food, laughter, tears, arguments, cake, icing, and so much more were the daily ingredients. In addition, Marlene and Jake worked tirelessly to make happy memories for multitudes of brides and grooms benefiting from the tasty cakes and artistry delivered through their home-based business, Ernat's Wedding Cakes. After busy wedding delivery Saturdays, on Sunday mornings Marlene made sure the family attended Immanuel Lutheran Rock Island, Ill., and later in life, to our neighborhood congregation, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Milan, Ill. She loved to sing and she loved to share the "good news" of Jesus. God's love, grace, and church empowered Mom.

Marlene was married for 67 years to her soulmate, Jake, who preceded her in death. They met as teenagers when Jake was swept off his feet by the beautiful cheerleader from Rock Island High School. They found time in their busy lives to drive to Alaska, roam the USA, and in retirement for many years, with dogs and cats in tow, escape the Quad Cities winter chill to bask in the warmth of Mission, Texas.

As a grandmother, Marlene always made herself available. She hosted many nights out at grandma and grandpa's house, made possible by lighthearted trips for tacos at Rudy's and for pizza at Frank's.

Marlene was known for her big smile, hearty laugh, kind heart, and neighborhood dinner "call" and whistle. She was also introduced to big extended families being part of the Ernat clan. Christmas Eve parties and annual family gatherings provided space for good food, drinks, and lots of laughter. Later in life, enjoying neighborhood friends and playing cards.

In earlier years she enjoyed volunteering on Girl Scout camping trips to the Rockies for horseback adventures and canoeing. Marlene won several art contests through Rock Island County and Rock Island High School. Along with her artistic ability, she designed the windows for the entry doors at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Milan, which was an honor and a blessing to her.

In addition to Jake, she was preceded in death by her sister, Martha; her father, Walter; her stepmother, Mary; and her mother, Melissa.

Her memories and her story will live on and span future generations through her seven grandchildren, Brandon, Lori, Lindsey, Stephanie, Darcy, Stacey, and Pearl; 12 great-grandchildren, Khylie, Dean, Lola, Tyler, Sidney, Ella, Hannah, Bennett, Sadie, Tucker, Tinley, and Breck; and two great-great-grandkids, Oliver and Beau.

Marlene's life will be celebrated at 10 a.m., on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Milan, with visitation to be held one hour prior to the service. She will be buried beside Jake in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Rock Island. In lieu of flowers, consider making a contribution in Marlene's name to your favorite animal charity, and next time you have a taco, grab a margarita and raise a toast to Marlene as she joins her heavenly family and Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Marlene will be dearly missed by all.

Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.wheelanpressly.com.

Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory

201 E 4th Ave

Milan, IL

309-756-5513