“For it is in giving that we receive.” With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Marvin (Marv) Kolke on August 1, 2023, with family by his side, at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro, Nova Scotia.

Marv was born in Outram, Saskatchewan on October 31, 1935 and moved to the family farm in Midale in the early 1940’s where he grew up with his parents and two brothers.  After graduating from high school he went to the Saskatchewan Training School in Weyburn to pursue a degree in Psychiatric Nursing which he completed 1957 after transferring to the Valley View Centre in Moose Jaw.  It was during this time, in 1956, that he married his wife Rose and spent 61 years together before her passing in 2018. Marv quickly moved into the recreation field and in 1961 moved to Prince Albert with his wife Rose to become part of the recreation department at the newly opened Saskatchewan Training School, later known as North Park Centre.  Marv had a very rewarding 35 year career at these two institutions with a highlight being one of the founders of Camp Thunderbird located at Candle Lake, Saskatchewan.  Marv’s second career was in the funeral business where he spent 20 years on a part-time basis at Gray’s Funeral Chapel starting as a “sidewalk superintendent” during construction and later assisting with whatever was asked of him.  Marv was devoted to his family and his community, often donating his time to the PA Boys Choir, the PA Winter Festival coaching his two sons, and the Saskatchewan Special Olympics where he is a honorary life member.  Marv’s sporting activities were numerous including playing, coaching, referee and co-founder of the Dief’s Chiefs old-timer hockey club which culminated in him being recognized as PA’s Sportsman of the Year.  Marv and Rose enjoyed spending time at their trailer at Emma Lake in the summer months and traveling to visit with family and friends.

Marv is survived by his son: Kevin (Tammy) and their sons, Layne, Sam and Joel; son: Kelly (Doreen) and their children, Hannah and Hayden; sisters- in – law: Lillian Tarnowetzki, Joan (Gary) Roy and Deanna (Willie) Derkach as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Marv was predeceased by his wife Rose; parents: Hank and Ella Kolke; brothers: Loren (Lorraine) Kolke and Gerald (Doreen) Kolke; parents- in-law: John and Mary Magera; sister-in -law: Betty (Walter) Tarnowetski; and brother- in- law: Matt Tarnowetzki

Graveside Service will be held at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens- Sermon on the Mount, on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Nora Vedress as Officiant. Lunch will follow at Calvary United Church, 114 – 25th St E, Prince Albert, SK.  Those wishing to make a memorial donation in lieu of other tributes may do so to Special Olympics Saskatchewan, 1121 Winnipeg St, Regina, SK S4R 1J5. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Prince Albert, SK,  Marianne Turcotte- Funeral Director.

• Date : 2023-08-01
• Location : Prince Albert, SK