Marilyn J. Steenhoek

Marilyn Jensen Steenhoek, 76 of Ottawa, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2025 peacefully surrounded by her loving family at the Peru Hospital.

Funeral Service will be at 12 PM, Saturday, October 18th at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home, with Pastor Sherry Stevenson officiating. Visitation will be from 9 AM to 12 PM, earlier that day.

Marilyn was born February 3, 1949, in Ottawa to Ralph and Norma (Phillips) Mathes. She attended Milton Pope Grade School and was a 1967 graduate of Ottawa Township High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Doug Jensen on August 7,1968, they were married until he passed in 2000. Several years later, unbeknownst to her, she would meet the second love of her life Jim Steenhoek. They were married in 2009 until 2022 when he sadly passed.

Marilyn had a variety of Employer's throughout her lifetime including an extremely successful 35-year career with Mary Kay. This was nearest to her heart. Other notable employers include TPM Stems, Snook Equipment and Bakelite/Union Carbide. She was also an advocate of the LaSalle County Court Appointed Special Advocates, for the children of LaSalle County.

Marilyn enjoyed all her family time, specifically her grandchildren's sporting events. She always had a smile and a hug with every encounter. She enjoyed baking and her famous cookies will be missed by many. She cherished her participation with the LaSalle County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Rebecca (Chris) Snook, daughter-in-law Nikki Alvarado Jensen, sister Carol DeMoss, brother Ralph (Chris) Mathes and brother-in-law Bruce (Alyce) Jensen. Grandchildren include Olivia Bryant, Jensen (Heidi) Bryant, Jack (Kendra) Snook, Payton (Marissa) Jensen, Presley and Pazley Jensen. Great grandchildren Lennon Snook, Sebastian Bryant Skyles and Jake and Ethan Johnson and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Doug, son Jason Patrick, husband James Steenhoek, sister Kay Kozel and parents Ralph and Norma Mathes.

Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren Olivia Bryant, Jensen Bryant, Jack Snook, Payton, Presley and Pazley Jensen.

Memorials may be directed to LaSalle County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). To share a memory, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.