Marilyn Elaine (Wensauer) Cicalo Obituary

Marilyn Elaine (Wensauer) Cicalo was born in Milwaukee Wisconsin on December 10, 1932 to Erwin G. and Dorris M. Wensauer. She moved to Battle Creek with her parents and brother in 1942. Marilyn attended St. Philip Catholic High School through the 10th grade and transferred to Lakeview High School, graduating with the class of 1950.

Marilyn, 87, of Battle Creek died peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at Pineview Assisted Living.

Upon graduation Marilyn's best friend, Ginny Bilbrey was able to get her employment at Post Cereals in the Payroll/Keypunch department where she stayed until a group of girls in the department decided to move to California. Marilyn was able to find immediate employment due to her skills in the infant computer technology department. She started work on February 2, 1960, being assigned to the Convair division of General Dynamics San Diego Division as a Material Control Keypunch Operator "A". Marilyn continued her employment moving up in the department having worked with NASA in Florida and California for many years.

One time during a problem with the documentation of parts being used on "SkyLab" (the 1st US space station launched in May of 1973) she designed a program to solve the problem, saving the program thousands of dollars. When NASA sent a contingent to interview the developer of the software they were amazed to find a person with no formal training in this field. When Marilyn retired in 1982, a delegation from NASA Florida and California attended the tribute for her dedicated years of service.

Marilyn moved back to Battle Creek to be close to her family in June of 2018, after her husband John Cicalo, to whom she was married for 36 years, died at the age of 94. She was very happy to be cared for by her brother's girlfriend, Kay Calley-Martin, especially the monthly SPA days the two shared.

Marilyn is survived by her brother, Brian W. Wensauer of Battle Creek Michigan; sister, in law Dolores Wensauer of Battle Creek; six nieces and nephew, and several grand nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her step-granddaughter, Carrie Droptiny of Arizona, who visited her last Christmas.

Marilyn will be accompanied by her brother back to California. She will be laid to rest between her husband, John and Marilyn's parents, Erwin and Dorris Wensauer at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California on December 28, 2019.

Local arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.