COLUMBUS
Marian Christine Woelfle Walko passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on February 26, 2026, at the age of 88. A woman of faith, her warmth, compassion, and unwavering optimism will be remembered by all who knew her.
Marian was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 5, 1938, to Jacob and Christine (Stemmer) Woelfle. Marian was a lifelong Catholic.
Marian attended Regina High School and graduated with a nursing degree from Good Samaritan School of Nursing. She dreamed of being a nurse from an early age and she dedicated her life to caring for others. She loved being a nurse with all her heart. She retired from nursing in 1999 after a long and rewarding career, but like all good nurses: “Once a nurse, always a nurse.”
In 1970, she married the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” S. Walko, and together they raised three children. They lived in Kenton Hills in northern Kentucky, overlooking the Cincinnati skyline, and later built their dream home in Maineville, Ohio. Over their 51 years of marriage, Marian and Jerry lived life to its fullest and welcomed seven grandchildren. As their family grew with the arrival of each new grandchild, so did Marian’s love and joy, enriching the lives of all her grandchildren.
Marian’s creativity will be remembered by her legacy gifts, including cross-stitched pictures, teddy bears, and quilted wall hangings. She was a lifelong learner with many talents and hobbies, including cooking, shopping, sewing, and traveling. She took pride in her display of Dickens’ Village collectibles.
In 2002, Marian and Jerry found the perfect home-away-from-home in Venice, Florida. They loved the beach, restaurants, sunshine, and watching dolphins at the jetty. They joined the Boat Club and the Czech Club. Marian embraced the community and taught classes in making heirloom teddy bears from real fur coats. She enjoyed providing a vacation getaway for her family.
In 2004, they downsized from their Ohio home to one in Columbus, Indiana. After Jerry’s passing in 2021, Marian moved to Traditions of Columbus where she formed many new friendships. She was the Ambassador among residents and enjoyed connecting with friends and staff.
Marian was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and infant son, Michael.
One of Marian’s greatest joys was her role as a mother and grandmother. She will be remembered always by her children, William “Joe” (Sally) Walko, Laura (Mike) Montgomery, and Susan (Jimmy) Flottemesch; her grandchildren, Sarah Walko, Paul Walko, Michael DeDomenic (Leigh Rasmussen), Steven (Maddy) DeDomenic, Christine DeDomenic, James “Jimmy” Flottemesch, III, and Jacob Flottemesch; sister, Evelyn Staub; sister-in-law, Theresa Walko; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was looking forward to her first great-grandson in August.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM EST Friday, March 6, 2026, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Columbus, Indiana, with Father Nico Ajpacaja Tzoc as celebrant. A live stream of the funeral Mass will be available through the Church’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9nqHJcfjZqyh-za4GEcC6Q
Family and friends may visit at the Church at 9AM, prior to the Mass. Attendees are welcome to wear bright colors and floral patterns in honor of Marian’s love of all flowers.
Cremation will take place following the service; interment will be at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Mill Race Center in Columbus, Indiana (https://www.millracecenter.org/support/)
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com. Arrangements were made by Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home.
