Marilyn Jean Fischer Gierok

November 25, 1931 - December 2, 2020

Marilyn (Fischer) Gierok, born in Portland, Oregon, passed away at the age of 89 in Salem, Oregon on December 2nd.
Marilyn was the middle child of five, and is survived by her brother Bill Fischer.

Marilyn’s family moved from Portland to Seattle in 1934 when she was 4, and to Minnesota in 1947, to Mississippi in 1948, and settled in California in 1949 where in 1956 she was introduced to Richard Dick Gierok by Marilyn’s brother Bill. At the time Marilyn was a widower with two young boys, Dick fell in love with all of them and on May 11, 1957 Dick and Marilyn were married and together they raised 5 children.

Marilyn was proceeded in death by their son Stephen Thompson. She is survived by her son Rick (Mary) Thompson, daughters Cynthia Gierok and Laura (David) Seger, and son Ed (Frances) Gierok. They had 12 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Marilyn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Marilyn and Dick moved around the country, going from California, to Ohio, to Georgia, and finally settling in Oregon. As they moved around the family loved camping, Marilyn would make sure the trips were organized, oversaw everyone’s packing to make sure nothing was forgotten – she was the oil that made the family run smoothly whether at home or on the road.

When the children were younger Marilyn ran a mom’s taxi service, shuttling five children between multiple activities and the leader of a Bluebirds troop. Marilyn was a talented seamstress and knitter. She made clothes and Halloween costumes for her children and even clothes for her daughter’s dolls, she also took the time to teach her daughters to sew. Marilyn and Dick were very involved in their local church volunteering for the youth retreats for Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Georgia. When the children were older Marilyn started to work in sales, selling clothing, furniture, and jewelry. She found a deep interest in gems and became a certified gemologist. She also operated a home cleaning business for over a decade in Oregon. Marilyn was very active until she had to slow down due to her health. She loved to dance, she was an excellent bowler having thrown multiple perfect games, and enjoyed traveling with Dick, her favorite vacation place was Hawaii. After retiring Marilyn and Dick both became OSU Master Gardeners and volunteered at the Willamette Valley Winery.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
Psalm 23:6

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Willamette Valley Hospice and Palliative Care
http://www.wvh.org/

Guest Book Entries

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Marilyn was a beautiful woman and we so enjoyed our times with her and Dick watching the Super Bowl at David and Laura’s.

Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with Laura, David and the entire family.

My heartfelt condolences to Marilyn’s family. I first met Marilyn in 1956 and she was a beauty then and until the last time we spoke recently. She always had her infectious laugh and great personality and young olive skin. Diane and l always loved Marilyn.

Aunt Marilyn will be deeply missed as I have so many wonderful memories with her. We had such a fun time when she came to visit us in Georgia through the years and we always had so many laughs together.

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Teresa

My love to my dear Aunt, I have fond memories when visiting her in Georgia. I always remember her smile, and she so much reminded my of Sophia Lauren. Her upbeat attitude, and loving nature, giving heart, and love for her brother William Fischer, my Father. I know I’ll see her again when God calls me home to live free in spirit. Sending my love to my cousins, I miss you all and think often of our trip to the beach at Point Mugu, CA.

Beautiful Marilyn, I was a child when your brother Bill married my sister Joyce. I remember how drop-dead beautiful my new brother-in-law's sister was, how she looked like Sophia Loren, but that she seemed so burdened and sad until Dick came into her life and changed everything. I did not know the tragedy you were dealing with as the widowed young mother with two little boys you were trying so bravely to raise on your own. But Dick brought the sun back into your life and the lives of your two little boys. And it brings me comfort to know that you and Dick went on to a long and happy marriage filled with the joy of two more gorgeous kids, and be a fulfilled and fulfilling family life. My deepest condolences to all of Marilyn and Dick's family. I hope the knowledge of what a happy marriage they had, and memories of happy, funny, joyful times bring some comfort to the grief I know you are all carrying right now. May your family ties help bring solace to each of you. Blessings and love.