Marilyn Margaret (Ernster) LaLonde, 94, of Cedarburg, WI, passed away on February 5, 2026, from age-related complications, surrounded by her loving family.

Marilyn was born on December 9, 1931, in Milwaukee, WI, the eldest of ten children born to Edward and Eleanor (Placereani) Ernster. Before her marriage, she worked at Schuster’s Department Store and in the office of her father’s business, Northwestern Laundry.

Marilyn married Jerome Joseph LaLonde on April 24, 1954, at St. Catherine’s Church, with Jerome Kies and Rosemary Hermann serving as their witnesses. Their love story began on a blind date on New Year’s Day in 1952, and they remained devoted to one another until Jerome’s death on March 2, 2004. Their lasting commitment served as an inspiration to their 10 children, 23 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

While Marilyn took pride in her home, she truly excelled as a mother and a gracious hostess. She enjoyed shopping, golfing, and entertaining, and was the primary source of encouragement for her husband to establish LaLonde Contractors Inc. Marilyn and Jerry were known for their hospitality, hosting countless gatherings including holiday parties, Super Bowl celebrations, and poolside weekends. She was always ready to welcome guests with her signature phrase, “What can I get you? Have something.”

She is survived by her children and their families: Paulette (Robert) Field, Matthew (Stacy) Field, and Paul (Valerie) Field; Jerilyn (Jeffery) Natrop, Molly (Trevor) Morris, Emily (Christie) Kolaga, and Max (Amanda) LaLonde; Lorna (Bruce) Mueller and Elle (Liam) Berry; Margaret (William) Huettner, Jeremy (Colleen) Gerschke, and Jennifer (Dennis) Iwanski; Shelly LaLonde and Indie LaLonde; Mary (Anthony) Mastronardo, Celina, and Gabrielle Mastronardo; Peter (Evelyn) LaLonde, Genevieve, and Isabelle LaLonde; John LaLonde; Michael (Tracy) LaLonde, Francesca, Raquel, Tess, and Mason LaLonde; and Mark (Shayla) LaLonde, Caden, Chase, Luke, Reese, and Quinn LaLonde.

She is also survived by her siblings Michael Ernster, Elizabeth Filetti, Cathy Deschene, and Christine Goldstein.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome; her grandson, Shawn Thomas Mueller; her parents, Edward and Eleanor Ernster; her siblings Richard, Donald, and George Ernster, Barbara Preo, and Suzanna Bartelt; and her beloved dog, Winston.

Please join the family to celebrate Marilyn’s life on Sunday, March 1st, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Golden Mast Inn, W349 N5293 Lacy's Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53069.

Online condolences may be shared through Schmidt & Bartelt, Mequon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marilyn’s name to the Humane Society of Ozaukee County or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.