Marian Ann Croak

MADISON - Marian Ann Croak, age 96, of Madison, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital. She was born on May 13, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Urbanija) Mocnik. She attended St. Vitus Grade School and went on to John Hay High where she graduated as a clerical stenographer. She then went on to work at the FBI, where she met an Agent named Phil. Philip Croak and Marian were united in marriage on Feb. 11, 1950, at St. Vitus Catholic Church in Cleveland. After a move to New Jersey and starting a family, they felt a home in Wisconsin to be close to Phil’s family would be the best move. In Madison, and later Monona, Phil started a law practice. It was at that location Marian worked side by side with her husband as his secretary at Croak Law Office. In addition to her family, Marian loved her faith and had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Marian and Phil were charter members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where they were active parishioners. Together they counted money after Sunday masses and taught catechism classes. Marian was part of the Parish Prayer Ministry Group, spending many hours over the years offering prayers for parishioners in need. Through the church they made many lifelong friends. Marian loved and cherished life. She was in a bowling league until the age of 90. She loved playing cards, especially solitaire and bridge. Marian and Phil were in several bridge groups. Marian loved to start her day with the morning crossword and a phone call from her brother, Johnny. She loved gardening and attending every event that her grandchildren and great- grandchildren were involved in. Together with Phil, she loved camping with family, entertaining, singing and dancing. She was kind and non-judgmental. She would say, "if you've lived a perfect life then maybe you can criticize.” She truly lived by those words. We are better people because of Marian's example. Marian is survived by eight children, Mary (Earl) Hensen, Jeff (Lyn) Croak, Marty (Linda) Croak, Betsy Ottaviano, Mike (Laura Myntti) Croak, Ellen (Gary) Sweeney, Agnes Croak, and Anne (Bruce) Douglas; 19 grandchildren, Tony (Angie), Nick (Jen), and Katie Hensen, Christina and Maureen Croak, Patrick Croak, Molly (James) Coppola, Gordy and Gina Ottaviano, Mackenzie, Hadley and Owen Croak, Kristen (Jason) Lentz, Samantha Sweeney, Marie (Joel) Jones, Justin (Sabrina Kitsembel) Frank, and Corey Frank, and Stella and Theo Douglas; 20 great-grandchildren, Sydney, Natalie and Kylie Hensen, Connor, Mckenna and Ashton Hensen, Blake Branch, Jordy Simpson, Luca Coppola, Brooklyn and Giovanni Ottaviano, Silas, Atticus and Xavier Lentz, Mya Simmons, Arianna, Aubrey and Colton Jones, and Willow and Wyatt Kitsembel; brother, Johnny (Kathy) Marinko; sisters-in-law, Millie and Patricia Mocnik; and her many adoring nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip; baby; her parents; stepfather, Frank Marinko; and brothers, Frank and Donald Mocnik. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, with Monsignor Dave Croak presiding. For those who prefer, you may watch the Mass via livestream by visiting Marian’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and clicking on the Live Webcast link. Burial will be held at the Calvary Cemetery on Hwy 104/59 north of Brodhead following the Mass. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. A scripture service with personal reflections will begin at 4 p.m. with visitation to follow. An additional visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to IHM Endowment Fund. Thank you for the outpouring of prayers from friends and family. Thank you to Dr. Hook and the staff at Wildwood Clinic; the staff at SSM clinic and SSM Health at Home, Sister Georgeann; the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, Sister Pamela; and Father Chad Droessler (IHM) for making mom’s last moments full of dignity and grace. The family also wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to our loving sister, Agnes, for the selfless years of dedicated care of and compassion for our dear mother. A special shout-out to Marian’s grandson, Corey, who brightened her days and shared so many special moments with her. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420