Myrna Skalsky

Myrna Kay Skalsky, age 84, of Pine River, MN, passed away on March 30, 2025, in Naples, FL. She was born November 15, 1940, in Northwood, ND, to Sherman and Hilda (Olson) Johnson.

Myrna graduated from Northwood High School in Northwood, ND, in 1958. She attended Mayville State College, graduating in 1961 with a BS majoring in both elementary education and art with a minor in speech.

She began her teaching career in Ada, MN, where she taught first grade from 1961 to 1963.

She married Thomas Herman Skalsky on August 21, 1962, in Mayville, ND. The couple lived in Ada, MN, Clear Lake, IA, and Richardson, ND, before moving to Pine River, MN.

They moved to Clear Lake, IA, in 1962 where she taught art from 1963 to 1965. She taught various grades in Gladstone and Richardson, ND, in 1966. In 1967 she obtained a speech major in special education from the University of Minnesota. The family moved to Pine River in 1967, where Myrna taught special education until her retirement in 1998.

Her husband, Thomas, died December 4, 2008.

Myrna married Jerome Arthur Marschke on February 19, 2015, in Honolulu, HI. They made their home in Pine River, MN, but enjoyed spending their winters in Honolulu, HI, and recently Marco Island, FL.

She enjoyed traveling with Jerry and the rest of her family and also attending every kind of event for her grandsons while they were growing up. She was very involved with her great-grandsons and loved having them visit her every summer in Minnesota. One of her favorite things was her long-time friendships. She cherished her friends and they were talked about on a daily basis, from her childhood friends, the teachers and staff she worked with, and everyone that she was able to enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee with. Oh, how she loved her coffee time and all the conversations.

During her teaching career, Myrna was awarded the Minnesota Special Olympics Area 5 Coach of the Year two times and also Coach of the Year for the state of MN. She was a National Education Association life-time member.

Myrna was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where she was also the treasurer of the women’s organization from 2003 to 2007. She belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary for 30+ years where she served as vice president for many years. She was a member of the Pine River Lions Club and served as club president for two years. She also had the honor of being Lion of the Year and was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.

Myrna once bowled a 299 (or something close to that) and was very fortunate to have an amazing group of bowling ladies to share her time with for many years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Herman Skalsky; her parents; and her brother, Scott Johnson.

Myrna is survived by her husband, Jerome Marschke, Pine River, MN; children, Bret (Naomi) Skalsky, Pequot Lakes, MN; Bart Skalsky, Backus, MN; Darcee (Mark) Rehovsky, Oakes, ND; grandsons, Travis Skalsky, Angleton, TX; Chad Rehovsky, West Fargo, ND; Devin (Abby) Rehovsky, Casselton, ND; great-grandsons, Lucas and Lawson Skalsky, Angleton, TX; stepchildren, Jay (Kathy) Marschke, Houston, TX; Steve (Debbie) Marschke, Torrance, CA; Ryan (Hilary) Marschke, Maple Grove, MN; Robyn (Tracy Crosby) Marschke, Brookings, SD; six step-grandchildren, Austin, Jordan, Brianna, Faith, Max, and Harper Marschke; and one step-great-grandchild.

A memorial service celebrating Myrna’s life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Pine River, MN. A visitation will be held the hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to charity of donor's choice.