Marilyn E. Zak, 86, proud mother of Steven, Susan, and David, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, after a fall. She was born on November 20, 1939, to Elfriede and Fritz Beyer, in Toledo, Ohio. She was a graduate of Woodward High School and studied at The University of Toledo.

She "always wanted to raise good kids," and encouraged their independent interests in various ways like Camp Storer, Naturalist Scouts, Art Museum classes, YMCA and Bowman pool, crafts, cooking, sports, academics, libraries and reading, gymnastics and vacations. A life-long clearance shopper and effective coupon queen, she rarely (if ever) paid full price for anything. Family nights included board games like Monopoly and Clue, as well as poker, making applesauce, and picking and processing strawberries. She was a thoughtful sender of greeting cards. She loved picking out the perfect card, for both special occasions and random reasons, or to show appreciation over time. 

Marilyn's Mottos were:

If it doesn't kill you, it will make you stronger.

Broaden your horizons!

Work hard and save money.

Dull women have messy houses.

Chocolate fixes most problems.

It's not easy being green.

Getting old is for the birds!

Marilyn married Richard Zak in 1968. It was an interesting pairing of sharp, committed, strong work ethic parents who navigated life, gender roles, careers, parenting approaches, and how to age, spend & save. She began her work life in the family business (Beyer's Bakery on Lagrange Street) and was especially proud of her over 22 year career at Owens Corning as an executive assistant to multiple VPs. Addressing her as "Super Secretary" consistently brought out smiles even in her final days.

She is survived by her sister, Betty Bernhoft; and children; Steven Gretzinger, Susan (Pete) Emahiser, David (Andria) Zak, and Victoria Zak. Grandchildren are Fabiola & Siyeh Gretzinger, Claire (Alex) Wisniewski, Elizabeth and Colton Seiler, Grace Zak, Victoria (Drew) Ratzel, and Ashleigh and Violet Doyle. Great-grandchildren are Maya and Boy Wisniewski, and Lily Ratzel. Extended family includes her niece, Carrie Shaw (daughters, Tara (Ben) Henry, and Kennedy Shaw); nephew, Kevin Shaw (Stephenie Moser). Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Elfriede (Faerber) and Fritz Beyer; her brother, Frank Beyer; her first husband, Paul Gretzinger; and her husband, Richard Zak. 

We are thankful for her care givers at Otterbein Sunset Village who so lovingly cared for our mother.

Services will be private.