Marilyn Sue Kudla, 73, died peacefully in a Lake Charles, La., hospital on Aug. 17, 2021. Marilyn was born on Nov. 19, 1947, in Baton Rouge, La., to the Honorable Daniel P. and Catherine Kleinpeter Kimball. Marilyn grew up in Port Allen and graduated from Port Allen High School. She graduated with a degree in home economics from Louisiana State University where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. Following graduation, Marilyn had a very successful career in fashion merchandising and was a clothing buyer at Maison Blanche in New Orleans, La., and Joske’s in Houston, Texas.

Marilyn gave so much to the Lake Charles community in the 4+ decades she lived here. She served in The Junior League of Lake Charles, was appointed by former Mayor Randy Roach to chair the 9-11 Lakefront Memorial Committee, as well as the citywide prayer service. It is believed that she was the only woman to serve as both the President of the Lake Charles Bar Auxiliary and later as the President of the Calcasieu Medical Alliance.

Her love for the Lord inspired many of her philanthropic and volunteer services, including serving on the board of the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter, visiting hospitalized members of her church, and serving as an officer on the board of Woman’s Aglow. She also spent many hours working with the local One Touch Ministry and making flower arrangements for fundraisers for many charitable organizations.

Those left to cherish her memory are, her husband of 23 years, Dr. Michael Leo Kudla; Jeff Kudla (Carrie), Colleen Kudla Arceneaux (Alex), Mia and Leo Kudla, and Owen and Miles Arceneaux; Edward Bergstedt (Mary) and Julie Bergstedt; and her sisters, Carolyn Alexander of Baton Rouge, La., and Madelyn Blake of Dallas, Texas; nieces, Bridgette Youngblood and Kellie Blake Hardy; and nephews Byron Babin, Brandon Babin, and Daniel Blake.

A funeral service for Marilyn will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles. The Rev. Weldon Bares will officiate. Inurnment to follow at the church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday morning from 9 a.m. until the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter, or First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles.