April 26, 1940 – March 11, 2023    It is with our deepest sorrow we announce the loss of our family matriarch, Marilyn (often referred to as Marley). She was tragically taken from us in the afternoon of March 11 in Teulon. We were not ready and we had more to do together…
Marilyn was a Loving Wife, best friend and most recently a dedicated caregiver to her husband of 63 years Jack (Jacob) Warkentin, who will continue to ask for her.
A caring Mother, mentor and cherished friend to children; Wayne (Gloria), Tim (Lisa), Paul (Jane), Debrah (Chris), Terry (Tammy).
A devoted Grandmother giving her unconditional love to: Brandy (Dan); Cara(Curtis) David and Deanna; Dakota (Jeff), Gabe (Kristin), Zach (Mina); Jayme (Hanna), Sydney and Isaiah (Kat); Amanda (Cameron) and Rebeca (Kallem); Zane and Cole.
A playful Great Grandmother, who gave the best cuddles and hugs to Ashton, Payton, Bree and Claire; John, Sadie and Abbie.
Marilyn was the 6th child of 7 children of the late August and Edith (Schroeder) Kletke. Leaving to mourn her loss is sister Joyce Measor (Victoria BC).
She was a Sister in law, Aunt, Cousin and Friend. For all of you we ask for forgiveness as there are many to mention.
Marilyn was born and raised in Teulon, MB. Growing up on a family farm meant everyone had responsibilities as there were chores to be done, someone to feed, keep an eye on, or who needed help. She learned early in life about hard work, caring for others and helping your neighbour. She carried those traits throughout her life.
Marilyn and Jack united their love for each other on May 2, 1959. From then it didn’t take long before 2 became 7. The purchase of a small farm in the Teulon area where pigs, chickens, a milking cow and then a pony was added (much to her dismay). Marilyn would “hold down the fort” towing her “littles” along to accomplish daily chores while Jack held a fulltime job in Winnipeg. On the weekends Marilyn would pick up shifts as a Health Care Aide at Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital. She was a dedicated part time employee to the Hospital for many years.
In 1977, with a new direction in life, Marilyn and Jack became owners and operators of a tourist resort on Lake of the Woods for the next 20 years. Portage Bay Camp was situated 32 miles by boat from Kenora ON. Marilyn didn’t waiver in her growing roles of chief cook, baker, hostess, meticulous kitchen and cabin cleaner, daily laundry (wringer washer style), yard maintenance, supply manager and director of operations.
Her children often reflect on the time when Mom wanted a very large boulder to be moved down the hill to the dock with her vision being this boulder would become a place to sit and put things on. Dad and a couple of the boys started the process of digging it up, Mom was on the dock at the time. The boulder was pried up and started rolling down the hill, much to Dad and the boys dismay here’s Mom at the bottom of the hill she grabbed a 5 foot metal pry bar and was running to the spot she wanted the boulder to stop. Dad and the boys were yelling “Mom get out of the way!” She proceeded to jam that bar into the ground, held on tightly, put one leg in front of the other and stopped that boulder on the exact spot she had wanted. That’s Mom. Have a goal in mind, plant your feet firmly on the ground and stand strong.
Marilyn established many friendships with returning guests, which carried on after they sold “Camp”. She had a gift of connecting with people and being a true listener. During those years Marilyn also realised a personal dream and graduated from nursing school with her Ontario Registered Nursing Assistant equivalent to LPN in MB. Such a proud day!
Following the sale of Portage Bay Camp Marilyn worked as the Coordinator for the Adult Day Program in Teulon. For a number of years she dedicated herself to helping to support Seniors who attended the program. Taking a holistic approach she offered days filled with meaningful activities, games, chair exercises and reminiscing.
Reflective in the personal choices Marilyn made, Community was important to her. She was active throughout the time her children were growing up by volunteering for the countless sports or school functions that needed helping hands, sitting on various boards and organising a variety of fundraising activities. All done through her desire that all children who wanted to be a part were given the opportunity. If she could take away a monetary barrier for families she would. She was a longtime member of the Teulon Women’s Institute; a board member of the Teulon and District Handivan along with The Teulon Seniors Resource Council; an active volunteer for Nova House in Selkirk, spending countless hours helping to establish the Twice Over thrift store. In her retirement she volunteered at the Teulon Food Bank, along with giving helping hands to special community events or just being called to help out with meal prep at Gateway Manor. She attended and completed the Spirit of Caring Course throug h the Interlake Regional Health with full intention of becoming a Spiritual Care Volunteer within her community. In her own way she used those skills in helping other family and community members at their end of life.
Marilyn, for lack of better words, was a thrifter- she loved saturday morning garage sales, a flea market and shopping at second hand stores. Most often finding treasures not only for herself, but for her work and family members. She was an avid reader, an incredible seamstress and crocheter, a hobby gardener, and a social butterfly. She curled for a number of years, mainly for the social aspect and being a part of this with her family members.
Marilyn and Jack developed many friendships within Crescent Creek Estates in Teulon. Looking forward to their gatherings at the centre and the “Patio Parties”. More recently, Marilyn moved to a suite in Gateway Manor where she was settling in and commented that it was the best move she could have made and was developing friendships there while still connecting with her Crescent Creek friends.
Family was of the utmost importance in her life. Marilyn would initiate and plan 2 important family gatherings each year, that we grew to think of as sacred family time. During the Warkentin Family August Long Weekend 2019, Marilyn and Jack renewed their vows in front of their children, grand- and great grandchildren for their 60th Wedding Anniversary; where we all honoured the head (and heart) of our family unit.
Those helping hands were always activated for her children and grandchildren for home renovations, moving, illness, and even to just clean or tidy and do laundry once in a while. She quietly showed up and often stayed a few days. Little did she know, the time she spent also helped us to plant our feet once more, stand firm and stay strong in order to carry on.

Those hands seemed to know……
Where and when support was needed;
They were never to be idle and most often giving.
They were meant to help others.
This was her “gift” to her family and her community. It was done without her ever having the need nor want of recognition for it.
Marilyn’s wish was for a private family service. A celebration of life for immediate family will take place this summer in Kenora.
The Family has greatly appreciated all the community support we have received and invite those who wish to collectively share their memories, love and support, to do so on Ken Loehmer Funeral Services Tributes and Obituaries Site.
Should you feel inclined, please honour Marilyn’s memory by donating to The Teulon Food Bank or MADD.