Marilyn was a woman of elegance and grace, possessing the spirit of a northern woman with the soul of a southern lady—right down to her love of hats, which always made it look as though she were headed to the Kentucky Derby. She was unfailingly generous, donating land and resources without hesitation. She taught her family not just how to succeed, but how to care, how to show up for one another, and how to live with purpose and gratitude. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, her engaging smile, her kindness, and her ability to make everyone feel at ease. She never had a negative word to say about anyone.

Gardening was her refuge, and she took great delight in growing fruits and vegetables for the family table. An avid reader, she believed education was the foundation of a good life, and she was proud that all of her children attended college.

A pillar of her community, Marilyn guided the family through various business ventures, including real estate investments, cherry orchards, a cement business, and rental properties. Her civic contributions were vast: she served as the Kasson Township Board Treasurer, the first woman to serve as President of the Glen Lake School Board, a Boy Scout leader, PTO President, and was instrumental in the inception of the Glen Lake Library.

Marilyn approached travel with the excitement of a child. She established a tradition of family cruises, a practice she began with her youngest daughter during her battle with cancer. After her daughter’s passing, Marilyn continued the tradition with “memory cruises” to honor her daughter and later for her husband, Charlie. Having taken almost 20 cruises, she left a final gift: a pre-planned cruise for the entire family to take in her memory.

Marilyn and Charlie purchased a home in Cape Coral, Florida, in the 1980s, where they always welcomed family and friends. Closer to home, their Sunday picnics at the family lot on Lime Lake were a cherished tradition for 60 years. Their base of operations remained the house in Maple City they built in 1960, where they raised their six children.

Marilyn passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of June 1, 2026, with her family by her side. Born on October 31, 1931, in Detroit to the late James Emerson and Arlene (Kruschinski) Morrison, she married her “cupid,” Charles J. Flaska, on February 14, 1950. They shared 68 years of marriage before his passing in 2018.

Marilyn is survived by her children: Betty Warnes of Maple City, Scott Flaska of Cedar, Jerry (Michele) Flaska of Lake Ann, Kathi (Rob) Thoreson of Maple City, and Robert (Joni) Flaska of Lake Ann; her brothers: Jack (Karen) Morrison of Oxford, Michigan, and Chuck Morrison, Tom (Carol) Morrison, and Evelyn Herrington, all of Ocala, Florida. She leaves behind a large, loving family of grandchildren: Kimberly (Skip), Trevor (Kim), Carrie, Tricia (Dave), Corey (Leeanne), Brooke, Jolene (Charles), Cooper (Ashley), Colby, Cameron (Allison), Charlie (Audrey), and Riley (Parker); and her great-grandchildren: Gage, Blake, CJ, Hunter, Drew, Sadie, Mya, Abigail, Owen, Hope, Nash, Owen D., Aliza, Jordan, Alivia, and baby Julia (on the way).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie; her daughter, Laurel; her brother, Jim Morrison; her daughter-in-law, JoAnne Flaska; and her sons-in-law, Ray Warnes and Derek Rothgarber.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to all the friends who blessed Marilyn and the Flaska family through the years. We will cherish the lessons she taught us for the rest of our lives.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 4:00–7:00 pm. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the funeral home at 11:00 am, with visitation one hour prior. Following the funeral and luncheon, Marilyn will be laid to rest at Cleveland Township Cemetery on Bohemian Road in Maple City, with a bagpipe tribute to honor her Scottish heritage.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to ShareCare of Leelanau, 99 Fourth St., Suttons Bay, MI 49682. Arrangements are being handled by Cedar LeFleur Gifts and Flowers in Cedar, (231) 640-9898.