Marilyn Schake
Marilyn Murray Schake passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on March 30, 2025. Born on September 23, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Cora Deforest and Robert Emmett Murray, Marilyn attended Incarnate Word Academy, before continuing her education at Saint Louis University.
Marilyn is survived by her husband of 54 years, Harry (Hank) G. Schake, Jr.; her children, Christopher (Melissa) Schake and Murray (Matthew) Pritzel; her grandchildren, Caroline and Eleanor Schake; William, Charlotte (Lola) and Reid Pritzel, and her siblings JoAnn Farber (Ralph) of Evansville, Indiana, and Patricia Pendergast (Jim) of Wentzville, Missouri.
Marilyn dedicated many years to teaching and found immense happiness in retirement, especially caring for her grandchildren. A devout individual, she regularly attended Mass. Marilyn was also a passionate traveler, having lived in both Paris and Tokyo. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals. Marilyn’s nurturing, laughter and kindness will forever be in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Ste. Genevieve du Bois, Warson Woods, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PanCan, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
What a positive light she was in our world. She inspired me.
She was always the best friend to have, and she was so kind to everyone!
The Golden Girls in heaven will be happy to greet you. Peace from Kathy.
Marilyn was a wonderful sister and a great friend. She will always be in my heart and my thoughts and like I told him many times, I’ll be talking to her quite a lot.
Marilyn was a wonderful sister and a great friend. She will always be in my heart and my thoughts and like I told her many times, I’ll be talking to her quite a lot.
Marilyn was a wonderful friend and neighbor. For many years she and I looked out for each other, and visited across the driveway while resting from yard work. I still back out of my driveway and expect to see her sitting in her chair while watching Franklin! She is sorely missed!
Hank, I’m so sorry for your loss. Marilyn was a wonderful person. Always enjoyed our visits at the family reunions. Prayers for you and your entire family. Love to all.
Colleen
Marilyn was a beautiful soul, taken from us too soon! What a blessing she was to the Schake family. RIP Moo! We love you, Sis! MJ and Jeff. 🥲🙏
I met Marilyn around 1983 when she and Hank returned from Japan and Chris and my son Brennan ended up in the same third grade class at Wilson School. The boys were practically inseparable until they finished 6th grade and went to different middle schools. However, the close friendship endured and continues to this day.
Because of our kids’ friendship, Marilyn and I also spent a lot of time together. She was always showing me practical things to do around the house and in life. I remember when Murray was born and I watched Marilyn change her diaper and use the new Pamper to fan Murray’s little butt to make sure it was dry before putting on the new diaper. I thought, what a good idea. I wish I had known to do that with my second son who was now well beyond diapers.
After the kids grew up, Marilyn and I often had brunch dates at Bread Company. We also became regular water walkers at the Richmond Heights resistance pool. Now, every time I go to the gym and look into the pool, I think of Marilyn.
Everyone who knew Marilyn recognized her extraordinary strength and great faith. She would even cross herself and say a quick, silent prayer when we were driving and passed a funeral procession. When I last saw her, just before she died, her faith and strength were so apparent , as she faced pain and torment in her last days. She is missed and will forever be so.