Celebrating The Life of Marlene Pawluk

Marlene was born in Wadena, Saskatchewan on Sept 17, 1947, a twin to Marvin. They, with parents, Richard “Dick” and Lillian (Haning) Parr lived on the Parr homestead at Invermay, until moving to Quill Lake in November of 1947 where Dick was employed by Cliff Foster. They lived in a house owned by Cliff, east of town, along highway 5.  Dick and Lil had seven children: Arnold, Lorraine, Glen, Calvin, Marlene, Marvin, and Jenine. Dick purchased an acreage south of Quill Lake from Alex McFarlane and a house was built that became their family home. Marlene attended elementary and high school in Quill Lake. She was a sports enthusiast and participated in all the sports offered in school. Her extra curricular interests were skating (in the old Dafoe airport hangar), that was the rink at the time. She was a big fan of the senior hockey team (The Quill Lake Monarchs). She seldom missed a “home game” of the team and took in many “out of town” with her dad. She was also a fan of the senior hardball team. Her brother, Cal, was a member of both teams, being very athletic also.  Marlene inherited her mother’s talent for sewing and needlework. The outcome was evident in the garments she made for her children, grandchildren, Fred, and herself.

Marlene did a great deal of babysitting when she became old enough. Some of the families she babysat for were: Marg and Ron Kaye, Ethel and Bob Govan, Roy and Gwen Krienke, Jim and Joan Durant, and Donna Durant. She spent her summers during her adolescent years helping her sister, Lorraine  care for her young children as her brother-in-law, Maurice Van Den Bossche (VDB), worked for the P&H Elevator and Lorraine made meals for the crew.  Marlene  travelled with the family and helped them out at various places in Saskatchewan and Manitoba that the crew worked.

Marlene, in her teen years, lived  with Lorraine and Maurice in Quill Lake; this is the place she called home. She became very close with her nephews and niece and they looked upon her as an older sister. They rarely referred to her as Aunty.

On October 12, 1968, Marlene married Fred Pawluk Jr. When they were first married, they lived in a house trailer in his parents’ farmyard. They eventually purchased the farm from his retired parents. Marlene worked alongside Fred on their mixed farm. She also grew a large garden and raised  and sold chickens. Marlene and Fred had five children: Travis, Laurel, Jason, Tanya, and Heidi.

Marlene was involved in the community and her children’s activities.  She was instrumental in reforming the Kinette Club and held various positions on the executive. She played a role in the restoration of Clair Lake (Salt Lake) and was chairperson of the suppers served at their annual ball tournament. When the children became involved in minor sports, Marlene volunteered her time to coach 

Unfortunately, Marlene suffered a massive stroke in 1989 and was left seriously disabled. This took a huge toll on her family, but she eventually came to terms with her handicap.

With the deterioration of Marlene and Fred’s marriage, Marlene and Heidi moved into Quill Lake in 1995. The separation was an amicable matter between Marlene and Fred. They had a friendly relationship until Fred’s passing in 2015.

Marlene had many joys in her life but her greatest joy came from spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.

Marlene leaves to mourn her: son Travis (Pam), and their children Kaitlyn and Brett (Ally); daughter Laurel (Rob) Myers, and their son Carter; son Jason (Clarice) and their children Miguel and Jax; daughter Tanya (Dwight) Odelein, their children Sabrina (Reid) Rustad, Sydney (Mitchel Knaus); daughter Heidi (Jason) Evans and their children Isabella and Molly; and two great-grandchildren Kaia and Elijah; sisters Lorraine VDB, Jenine (Wayne) Morrissey; brothers Arnold and Marvin; sister-in-law Betty Parr, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Marlene was predeceased by: her parents Dick and Lil; brothers Glen and Calvin; brother-in-law Morris VDB; and grandson Blake Evans.

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Monday, June 10, 2024

Quill Lake Wesley United Church

Quill Lake, SK

Donations in memory of Marlene

may be made to:

Quill Plains Centennial Lodge

P.O. Box 459

Watson, SK S0K 4V0

Those wishing to send cards

of caring & sympathy may send them to

The Family of Marlene Pawluk

P.O. Box 264

Quill Lake, SK S0A 3E0