Marilee Ruth Cederlund

Marilee Ruth (née Diesterheft) Cederlund, age 77, of Wheeling, Illinois went home to Heaven on February 14, 2023. Surrounded by loved ones, Marilee’s courageous battle with cancer ended. Through trust in Jesus Christ alone, she has received her victor’s crown and is now rejoicing with her Lord and Savior.

Marilee was born to Richard and Ruth (Niemann) Diesterheft on February 25, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from Niles East High School in Skokie, Illinois, she started her career at Washington National Insurance Company. On September 17, 1966 she married her sweetheart, Air Force veteran, Harry J. Cederlund. Together, they had two amazing children and many wonderful memories, until his abrupt passing on April 6, 1991. She loved Harry, until her last breath.

For over 30 years Marilee practiced her gift of hospitality as the proprietor of the UBAA, her family owned and operated restaurant in Skokie, Illinois. Marilee loved listening to, laughing with, and praying for her guests and employees (many of which she loved like her own family). Always on the hunt for a good deal, Marilee loved thrifting! She had a knack for giving goofy, creative, and meaningful gifts to her friends and family. Over the years she worshipped and fellowshipped at North Northfield United Methodist Church (where many of her life-long friendships were formed), Willow Creek Community Church (South Lake), and most recently, Chapelstreet Church.

She is preceded in death by her step-brother, Rich Harrer. She is survived by her siblings, Shirlee (Lee) Schneider of Cave Creek, Arizona and Richard Diesterheft of Libertyville, Illinois; brother-in-law John (Jan) Cederlund of Union, Illinois; sister-in-law Bonnie Harrer of Eagle Harbor, Michigan; numerous cousins to include, Les (Barb) Zematis of Libertyville, Illinois; children, Kimberly (Mark) Andréson, and Kevin Cederlund, both residing in Batavia, Illinois; and grandsons, Joseph, Ryan, and Jonathon – whom she loved with all of her heart and prayed for regularly.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 27^th at 10:30am (with condolences beginning at 9:30am) at Calvary Church, located at 1375 State Street Lemont, Illinois. A luncheon will follow. Marilee’s cremated remains will be inurned next to her husband’s plot located at Warren Cemetery in Gurnee, Illinois. There will be no graveside service.

The memorial service will be streamed live on Zoom (contact teamandreson@gmail.com for  more information).

The family has entrusted the arrangements to Warren Funeral Home 1475 N. Cemetery Rd. (located on the northside of the intersection of Tri-State Parkway and Cemetery Rd.) in Gurnee, Illinois 60031.