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Marilyn Hansberger
Marilyn Joan (Zielinski) Hansberger, 71, of Ludington, passed away at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, surrounded by family after fighting a very tough battle with cancer. Marilyn was born on May 1, 1953, in Manistee, the beloved daughter of John and Arlene (Kuczynski) Zielinski.
Marilyn graduated from Manistee Catholic Central High School in 1971 and earned her practical nursing certificate from West Shore Community College in 1973. She later completed advanced courses at Northeast Wisconsin Technical Institute and earned her associate degree in registered mursing in 1990, dedicating her life to healthcare.
On July 27, 1974, Marilyn married Lysle Hansberger, Jr. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee. Marilyn and Lysle celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2024. Together, they created a beautiful home that was always filled with family.
Marilyn dedicated 45 years to her nursing career, earning the admiration and respect of her colleagues and students. Beginning her journey in 1973, she rose to various leadership roles, including Director of Medical-Surgical Nursing and Director of Surgical Services Stepdown/Obstetrics. Her career culminated in overseeing the Medical-Surgical, ICU, and Obstetrics units as Director of Inpatient Nursing while also serving as Director of Clinical Education and Obstetrics. Marilyn retired in 2018 after 37 years at Memorial Medical Center (Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital). Throughout her distinguished career, her passion for patient care and commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on her patients and colleagues.
Marilyn was a devoted wife, lovingly serving as her husband Lysle’s full-time caregiver for the past several years. She was also a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who touched the lives of all who knew her. Known for her elegance, she took great pride in her appearance and was always admired for her beautiful hair and stylish clothing. Marilyn’s passion for gardening brought vibrant beauty to the outdoors, while her love of craft fairs filled her home with unique, locally crafted art. A gifted hostess, Marilyn loved bringing her family together for celebrations. She was an exceptional cook, ensuring every event was filled with an abundance of delicious dishes. Even in her final moments, her giving spirit shone through as she hosted a pizza party for the nurses and loved ones by her side. Marilyn will be remembered as thoughtful, kind, selfless, hardworking, detail-oriented, and deeply loving. She was always eager to help her grandkids with every school poster board project and was the best at sewing any clothing that needed work. She was a devoted wife and faithful Catholic who always made time for everyone. Her legacy of love, beauty, and generosity will forever remain in the hearts of her family. Marilyn was a member of St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee.
Marilyn is survived by her husband, Lysle; children Ryan (Jennifer) Hansberger and Jennifer Hansberger-Bray; grandchildren Austin (Tay) Hansberger, Brian (Kaley) Hansberger, Alexis Bray and Faith Hansberger; and great-grandson Luke Hansberger. She is also survived by siblings Jane (James) Fett, Stephen Zielinski, Brian (Susan) Zielinski, and Michael (Carlene) Zielinski all of Manistee, and Patricia DeCair of California; sister-in-law Lisa Zielinski of Manistee; aunt Dorothy Holmes of Manistee; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Arlene Zielinski, brothers Thomas Zielinski and Richard Zielinski, brother-in-law Robert DeCair, and nephew Justin Zielinski.
A Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Simon Catholic Church, with Rev. Dan DePew presiding. Family will greet friends starting at 10:00 am at the church. Marilyn will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.
