Mary Lou Marek passed into our Lord’s Hands on October 2, 2026, at the Ontario Estates. She was the fourth of 14 children of Henry C. Burkhart and Catherine E. Schauff, born June 9, 1940, in Crestline. She lived her entire life in Crestline, attending St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Crestline High School, graduating with the Class of 1959.
Mary Lou was a devout Roman Catholic, serving her Church as lector, on Parish Council, helping prepare students for their First Holy Communion and instructing new altar servers. She was a tireless mother and wife, involved in whatever her children’s interests were. She served as a Cub Scout Leader. Mary Lou was a generous, hardworking, honest and humble soul, quietly volunteering where needed. During her high school years, you could always find her selling tickets at her Uncle Leo’s Crest Theatre.
Mary Lou married Charles Marek on July 1, 1961, in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Crestline. They had 60 wonderful years together until his passing in 2022. Together, they had three sons, Stephen, Scott and David.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Elizabeth, Gladys and Catherine and brothers Charles H., Henry C. Jr., Joseph and Thomas.
Surviving relatives are Stephen and Connie Marek of Crestline, Scott and Betty Marek of Palm Coast, FL and David and Dorie Marek of Dayton; brothers William and Barbara Burkhart of Galion, James and Rose Burkhart of Wooster, and Ernest and Linda Burkhart of Jacksonville, FL; sisters Evelyn Buchanan of Ashland, Theresa and Thomas Fisher of Lakeland, FL and Irene and Dennis Borgelt of Mansfield; sisters-in-law Barbara Wells of Saranac, MI, Jeanne Burkhart of Marysville; grandchildren Rebecca and Jonathan Marek McPhee, Jennifer Marek, Christopher and Vanessa Marek, Samuel Marek and Nicholas Marek; great-grandchildren Daniel, Rory and one on the way. Mary Lou also had 40 nieces and nephews.
Calling Hours will be held at Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel, 223 W. Main St. on Tuesday October 6 from 5-7PM with a Wake Service following. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 10:30. Burial will be at a later date at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Crestline, Ohio.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the St. Joseph’s Church, Boys Town or Pink Ribbon Good (click on links to donate remotely).
Those wishing to share a memory of Mary Lou or send condolences to the Marek family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel, 223 W. Main St., is honored to serve the family of Mary Lou Marek.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com