DR. MARILYN JEAN WALENTA HALASKA, age 79, of Perry, GA, formerly of Eastman, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Summerhill Senior Community in Perry, GA.
DR. MARILYN JEAN WALENTA HALASKA, age 79, of Perry, GA, formerly of Eastman, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Summerhill Senior Community in Perry, GA.
Marilyn was born in Milwaukee, WI on February 15, 1947, to the late Elizabeth “Betty” Lydia and John Frank Walenta. With a life-long love of education, she graduated from Messmer High School, Milwaukee, WI in 1965; earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Wisconsin, Michigan in 1969; Master of Science, Nursing from Georgia State University in 1980; and finished with her Doctorate of Education from the University of Georgia in 1992. She enlisted in the Army in 1968 and was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1971. She married the love of her life, Thomas Halaska on June 7, 1969. She dedicated herself to serving others, nursing at local hospitals, teaching nursing at Middle Georgia College from 1987 – 2007, supporting local Emergency Management Preparedness, and managing the Dodge County Food Bank. She also enjoyed spending time taking care of beloved pets which included horses, dogs, ducks, and geese.
In addition to her parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Beth Holton (Gerald) of Locke, NY. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Halaska of Perry, GA, formerly of Eastman, GA, daughter, Jean (Paul) Ruckle of Kathleen, GA, and canine companions, Maisie and Sandy.
The family may be contacted at the residence of Jean and Paul Ruckle, 202 Mitculler Court, Kathleen, GA 31047, and will receive friends in Stokes-Southerland Funeral Chapel from 2:00 – 3:30 PM on Saturday, November 21, 2026. Immediately following will be a casual Celebration of Life service between 3:30 – 4:00 PM also at Stokes-Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Doug Studdard officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Marilyn’s memory to the Faithful Heart Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 5014, Eastman, GA 31023.
Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home of Eastman has charge of arrangements. www.stokes-southerland.com
Locally owned and operated, Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home, has been "A Tradition of Trust" to Eastman, Dodge County and Middle Georgia for over 65 years.