Marybeth Alice Marsicek (née Knackert) January 1, 1943 – March 14, 2025.

A beloved wife, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, following complications from a stroke. Her final days were spent surrounded by her loving family, who shared stories, embraces, tears, and prayers - a fitting tribute to a woman of boundless warmth and generosity. Marybeth lived a life defined by her devotion to her family, her faith and her community.

Born on January 1, 1943, as the first baby of the year in Milwaukee - a milestone celebrated with her picture in the Milwaukee Journal - Marybeth grew up on a farm in Greenfield. She was a proud alumna of St. Matthias School, Pius XI and Alverno College. Her education, paired with lessons from farm life, cultivated her sharp mind, compassionate spirit and tireless work ethic.

A spelling bee champion in her youth, Marybeth carried that pride, and skill, throughout her life. Her competitive streak also thrived at the card table, delighting in every strategic play as she outwitted her opponents, although, mysteriously, the youngest of her grandchildren always seemed to win.

Marybeth's heart was anchored in her family. She cherished time with her children and grandchildren, sharing laughter over board games, encouraging outdoor adventures, and inspiring them to express themselves through music.

Time spent at the family cottage in Three Lakes was a summer tradition where she made sure everyone was well-fed and ready for lake activities. She prepared all the meals for her large extended family, sometimes up to 30 people, including her infamous bacon salad.

A lifelong gardener, she found peace tending her plants, especially her raspberry bushes. Earning a spot on her raspberry-picking list was an honor cherished by family, friends and neighbors.

Faith and service were the cornerstones of Marybeth's life. As a longtime parishioner of St. Leonard, she volunteered in the nurses' room, assisted with uniform resale, and supported the Home and School programs, touching countless lives with her kindness.

Beyond her parish, Marybeth volunteered for Meals on Wheels and her local food pantries, putting others' needs before her own and embodying her values of care and community. Marybeth fostered children in need and opened her home to foreign exchange students from around the world.

Marybeth is survived by her husband of 62 years, Donald Marsicek; her children, Therese Billburg (Kenneth), Catherine Marsicek, Susan Peck (Todd), Cynthia Scheuing (Steven), Richard Marsicek (Julie) and David Marsicek (Theresa); her grandchildren, Alyssa (Myles), Alexander, Cassandra (Scott), Christy, Keith, Natalie, Celia, Mae, Ruby, Jane, Faith, Amelia, Lucy, Stephen, George and Oscar; her great-grandchildren, Peyton, Colton, Remington, Ellington, Oliver, Adelina, Neiva; and her siblings, Ken (Sue), Bill and Pam (Bruce).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Doris Knackert.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and staff at St. Luke's Hospital and Zilber Family Hospice, whose care brought comfort during her final days.

Visitation will be held at St. Leonard Catholic Church, W173 S7743 Westwood Dr., Muskego, WI 53150 on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 9:00a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed immediately by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Sisters of the Divine Savior ( https://www.sistersofthedivinesavior.org/donate/ ) in Marybeth's memory.

Her family invites all who knew her to join in celebrating a woman who lived to bring people together - whether over a hand of cards, a plate of home-cooked food or a ripe raspberry picked straight from the garden.