Helen “Marilyn” Van Fleet, 93, of Galesburg passed away peacefully at Seminary Manor in Galesburg, Illinois on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Marilyn was born on May 6, 1933, in Galesburg, the daughter of Basil and Helen (Carlson) Zugg. She lived her entire life in Galesburg. Marilyn married her lifelong partner in all things, John Van Fleet, Sr., on November 1, 1953. They were married for 68 years, until he passed away on April 2, 2022.
Marilyn graduated from Galesburg Senior High School in 1951. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Senior Council, Future Occupationists of America and Nu Phi Mu sorority.
Marilyn always said her greatest joy was raising her three boys.
Additionally, she worked in the records department at the Galesburg State Research Hospital, was sales manager at BelScott Department Store, a secretary for Doctors Maddrell and Borden and an administrative assistant for ServiceMaster. Marilyn enjoyed golf, playing cards with friends, making greeting cards, doing word puzzles, reading and spending time with family and friends. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and rarely missed watching a game.
She was also a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband John Sr., her parents and her brother Lyle. She is survived by her three sons, John Van Fleet Jr., of Rocky River, Ohio, James (Kathy) Van Fleet of the Villages, Florida and Joseph Van Fleet of Peoria; eight grandchildren Rachel (Elliott) Rouse, Meryl (Bryan) Baskin, Christine Van Fleet, Erin Van Fleet, James Van Fleet, Austin Burns, Jocelyn Van Fleet and Ethan Van Fleet; and four great grandchildren Levi Baskin, Phoebe Baskin, Owen Rouse and Arlo Rouse.
Visitation will be Noon-1:00 pm Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 pm on Wednesday at the chapel with Rev. Dr. Carrie Carnes officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marilyn’s name may be made to OSF Hospice. Online condolences for the family may be made on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
