Marilyn Kay Hertko, 73, 'Worked Tirelessly As A Registered Nurse For 52 Years'

JOLIET, IL — The following obituary is for lifelong Joliet resident Marilyn Hertko, who died as a result of Tuesday afternoon's crash at Essington and Black Roads.

Marilyn Kay Hertko (née Govoni), once known affectionately as “Mac” by friends and family and more recently known as “Gaga” by her adoring grandchildren, was unexpectedly called home to be with the Lord on May 5, 2026, at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet at the age of 73. Marilyn was a lifelong Joliet resident who was born to her father, Delmo Govoni, and mother, Dorothy Govoni (née Murray), on December 14, 1952.

Subscribe

Marilyn graduated from St. Patrick’s Grade School in 1967 and was a proud member of the graduating Class of ’71 from St. Francis Academy. She began dating John Hertko and continued
her education at the Joliet Junior College School of Nursing, graduating in 1973. She married John on August 14, 1976. She worked tirelessly as a Registered Nurse for 52 years. She was an active member of the Illinois Nurses Association (INA), served as a Joliet Junior College Trustee during the 1990s, and worked with countless great doctors, nurses and staff members at both Silver Cross Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital, all while raising her loving family of three children
with her husband, John.

Marilyn was a devoted Wife, Mother, and Grandmother who leaned heavily on her Catholic faith in living a life that inspired pride and appreciation in all who knew her. In her recreational
time, she enjoyed spending time with her family, relaxing on the beach on Kiawah Island, visiting Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona, Arizona, and walking the Will County Forest Preserve. She enjoyed being outside exploring nature with her husband and making great friends all along the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delmo Govoni and Dorothy Govoni (née Murray).

Marilyn is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Dr. John Hertko; her children Michael (Brittany) Hertko, Michelle (Johan) Haglund, and Kevin Hertko; as well as her four
grandchildren, Conor Haglund, Mackenzie Haglund, Halle Hertko and Harvey Hertko.

Numerous extended family members, friends, and other loved ones also survive. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that any donations offered in Marilyn’s honor be
directed to the Illinois Nurses Association at illinoisnurses.com/political- action/contribute/
or to As Good as Gold Golden Retriever Rescue of Illinois at
asgoodasgold.org.

In line with Marilyn’s wishes, Cremation Rites will be accorded and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday May, 11, 2026 at 10:00 am at the Historic Saint Joseph Catholic
Church, 416 N. Chicago St. Joliet, IL 60432. The Chicagoland Nurse Honor Guard is providing a Nightingale tribute at her service to recognize her many years as a nurse. Marilyn’s Earthly remains will reside in the protective custody of her family until details for inurnment are determined at a later date.