The family of Marilyn Louise Kizlik, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, is saddened to announce her passing on October 17th, 2025, at the age of 80.

She will lovingly be remembered by her husband, Lee Downey, children, Lynnette Wester, Joel Rypkema (Angel Rypkema), Brian Rypkema (Rene Rypkema) and sister Carolyn Shively. Twenty-seven grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild.

Proceeded in death by husbands William Rypkema and Robert Kizlik, parents James and Melinda Huffman, brothers Donald Huffman, and William Huffman.

She was born in Logansport, Indiana and graduated from Francisville High School class of 1963. After graduation, she went to the Professional Business Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota and graduated with a degree in laboratory technology and radiology. After moving to the Lake Nebagamon area, she spent approximately 20 years working for the Spooner Hospital System. When she retired from the clinic, she started her second career as a Douglas County Jailor and retired as a Sergeant. When she wasn’t working, she loved her horses. She was an AVID horsewoman, loved showing Western Pleasure and halter, and help teach the next generation of riders.

Funeral services will be held at Mission Covenant Church in Poplar, Wisconsin on October 23rd, 2025. Visitation will start at 11 am. Service will begin at 1 p.m. with internment to be held immediately after at the Lake Nebagamon Cemetery. There will be a lunch following internment at Mission Covenant Church.

Last Update: Oct 22, 2025 7:58 am CDT