Marilyn A. Walkowiak

Marilyn Anastasia Walkowiak, age 84, of Spalding, Nebraska, passed away on July 23, 2026, at Ridgewood Rehabilitation and Care Center in Seward, NE surrounded by the love of her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at St. Michael’s Church in Spalding, NE with Fr. Lawrence Vadakkan officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Spalding, NE. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday at the church with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

Levander Funeral Home of Spalding, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Marilyn was born on May 22, 1942, to James and Pauline (Pfeifer) Neis. She was raised on the family farm near Spalding, Nebraska, where she learned the values of hard work, faith, and family that would guide her throughout her life. She attended Spalding Academy, where she built lifelong friendships and deepened her Catholic faith.

On June 12, 1961, Marilyn married the love of her life, Edward Walkowiak, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding. Together they made their home on a farm outside of town. To this union eleven children were born: Ken, Randy, Colleen, Steve, Mike, Lisa, Tracy, Jennifer, Amy, Celena, and Brenda. Marilyn devoted herself to creating a warm and welcoming home filled with faith, laughter, and the comforting aromas of home-cooked meals and fresh-baked treats.

Family was the center of Marilyn's life. She rarely missed her children's athletic events and was their biggest supporter, cheering them on through every season. She treasured time spent with her sister, Claire; they shared so many laughs! She found joy in baking, tending a large garden, and preserving its harvest through countless jars of home-canned fruits and vegetables. Her flower beds reflected the same care and beauty she poured into everything she did. During the holidays, her kitchen became a gathering place as she lovingly prepared homemade candy and her cherished Christmas braid breads and cinnamon rolls—traditions her family will continue to treasure. With a servant heart she worked as an assistant at the local Headstart and was also a member of the Saint Gerard Club and the American Legion Auxiliary.

After Edward's passing, Marilyn demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience by continuing his agricultural work with McNess Feed. She built lasting relationships with her customers, treating them like family and expressing her appreciation with homemade baked goods. Her kindness, generosity, and genuine care left a lasting impression on everyone she served.

Marilyn also spent time managing The Brick Palace Bar & Grill in Greeley, NE. She enjoyed visiting with customers, building friendships, and creating a place where neighbors could gather. Whether she was serving a meal, sharing a laugh, or simply lending a listening ear, Marilyn had a special gift for making people feel at home.

Never one to stop learning or serving others, Marilyn later attended nursing school and earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification. Nursing became more than a profession—it was a calling. She found great fulfillment caring for residents at Greeley Care Home and later Friendship Villa in Spalding. Her compassionate heart, gentle touch, and unwavering patience brought comfort and dignity to countless residents and their families.

Throughout her life, Marilyn faced numerous health challenges with extraordinary determination. Time and again, she met each obstacle with grit, grace, and her trademark spunk. She never allowed hardship to define her. Instead, she leaned on the unwavering faith that had sustained her since childhood. Her love for the Lord never wavered, and she lived each day as an example of quiet strength, humble service, and steadfast trust in God.

Marilyn will be remembered for her hardworking hands, spit-fire personality, generous heart, unwavering faith, and unconditional love for her family. Whether she was tending her garden, caring for a patient, baking for neighbors, or offering a quiet prayer for someone in need, she made those around her feel cared for and loved. Her legacy lives on not only in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but also in the countless people whose lives were touched by her kindness, compassion, and selfless spirit.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Walkowiak, her parents, grandparents, great-grandson, Greyson Swerczek, and her favorite child “Angel” her Pomeranian pup.

She is survived by her children: Kenneth (Jean) Walkowiak of Spalding, NE, Randall (Jackie) Walkowiak of Ceresco, NE, Colleen Walkowiak of Pineville, MO, Steven Walkowiak of Ceresco, NE, Michael (Tami) Walkowiak of Norfolk, NE, Lisa (Paul) Smith of Kenesaw, NE, Theresa “Tracy” (Kevin) of Milford, NE, Jennifer Walkowiak of Grand Island, NE, Amy (Spencer) Nelsen of Colfax, IA, Celena (Matt) Mortimer of Fremont, NE, and Brenda (Tye) Thomas of Ceresco, NE; one sister, Claire Kaiser of Spalding, NE, and brother, Ronald Neis of Mesquite, NV, 37 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Though her family grieves her passing, they rejoice in knowing she has been welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior. The seeds of faith, love, generosity, and perseverance that Marilyn planted throughout her life will continue to bloom for generations to come.