Shirley Marek

   Shirley Ann Marek, age 82, of Casselton, ND, passed away peacefully at Bethany Retirement Home in Fargo, ND on March 22, 2023.

   Shirley, the 9th of 13 children, was born on May 24, 1940 in Harvey, ND, to Joseph and Margaret (Holzer) Muscha. She grew up on a farm outside Harvey and attended school to the eighth grade. When she was 16 she began working as a candy striper in the maternity ward at St. Aloisius Hospital in Harvey. She later moved to Casselton, ND and worked baking for the City Café. In Casselton, she met Edward Marek and the two were married on May 29,1961. They made their home on a farm just west of Casselton, where she flourished, raising her young children, gardening,  and learning to drive. They later moved into Casselton where she worked as a waitress for English Steak House and Lounge, a position she would hold for the next 30 years. In 1978 they moved to Absaraka, ND, where they operated the Marek Mercantile and Shirley also served as postmaster. She had always dreamed of attending high school and in 1988 she earned her GED. Ed and Shirley later retired to Casselton, ND. The two were married 57 years until Edward’s death in 2019.

   Shirley found happiness in quilting, crocheting, gardening, and baking. She was a garage sale enthusiast, always searching for treasures to add to her collection tiny pitchers and salt and pepper shakers. Being a mother and grandmother were her most privileged roles and she felt fortunate to be able to provide daycare for several of her grandchildren when they were young.

   Shirley is survived by her children: Monica (Les) Qvale, Larkspur, CO; Toni (Jon) Watt, Casselton, ND; Sam Marek, Casselton, ND; Amy (James) Stocker, Chandler, AZ; Heidi (Bruce) Bosch, Cheyenne, WY; and Dr. Ashley Marek, Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren: Sydney (Zack) Murphy, Landon Bosch, Alec Watt, Abrianna Qvale and Sami Watt, several brothers and sisters, numerous nieces and nephews and her special friend, Herb Buchholz.

   Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, 8 brothers and sisters, her husband, Edward, and her daughter, Kristi Louisa Marek.

Visitation: Friday, March 31, 2023 from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Casselton, ND.

Memorial Service: Friday, March 31, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Casselton, ND.

Final Resting Place: Friday, March 31, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Leo’s Cemetery, Casselton, ND.

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