Marilyn J. Daut's Obituary
Marilyn J. Daut, 78, of Waukegan, formerly of Decatur and Pittsfield, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2016 in her home.
Marilyn was born June 7, 1937 in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of Frank J. Daut Jr. and Glenna (Maple) Daut. She proudly served her country as part of the Army Medical Service Group in the Women’s Army Corps during the Korean War. She lived her adult life primarily as a resident of Chicago before moving to Waukegan when she retired. She was an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox, the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, and high school basketball.
Marilyn exemplified kindness, loyalty, love, and selflessness. She possessed the ability to strike up a conversation wherever she was, exuding friendliness in a way that made a lasting impression. She approached life always trying to see the best in things, never letting the small stuff overwhelm her. She held her family in the highest regard, speaking of her parents, siblings, children, uncles, grandparents, nephews, and nieces in terms reflecting her pride in their being a part of her lineage. She personified courtesy and values, understanding the importance of a simple “please” or “thank you,” the power of a smile, the respect to be paid to our elders and those in need, and the list goes on.
Marilyn is survived by her son, Robert F. Daut of Arlington, Massachusetts, and her two half-brothers, Dwight McCleery of Pittsfield, Illinois and David McCleery of Rushville, Illinois. She also is survived by her husband, Billy Johnson, a resident of Illinois.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Frank J. Daut Jr. and Glenna Maple, by her sister, Linda Daut Kessell, and by her brother, Frank J. Daut III. Additionally, Marilyn was preceded in death by the untimely passing of her daughter, Shirley Ann Daut, who passed away at the tender age of 19, and by her grandson, Donald Douglas Daut (son of Shirley Ann Daut), who passed as a one-day-old infant.
Services to celebrate Marilyn’s life will be 1 PM Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Burial with military honors conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard will be in Fairlawn Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home.
The family of Marilyn J. Daut is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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