Marilyn Pauline Heck

Marilyn Pauline (Abele) Heck passed away peacefully on Nov 15, 2022 in Port Townsend, WA at the age of 87.

Marilyn was born May 19, 1935 to John and Pauline (Blanchard) Abele on the family farm south of Fosston, MN. After high school, Marilyn moved to Eugene, OR where she worked before her marriage to Edward Olson. The couple lived in Bell Gardens, CA where two daughters, Lorraine and Suzanne, were both born. By attending night classes, Marilyn earned her cashier certification and was employed by Safeway, soon being recognized as Cashier of the Year in the state of California. Prompted by curiosity and a love of learning, Marilyn frequented libraries and read books and magazines daily throughout her life. She enjoyed conversing and sharing her learnings.

With a decision to leave the smog, bustle and riots of Los Angeles, Marilyn joined family living in Great Falls, MT. Later, she returned to her roots in Northern Minnesota. Marilyn drove bus routes for Fosston Public Schools and transported students for extracurricular activities. After both daughters graduated, she moved to Valier, MT and remarried. She and her husband, Clayton Heck, worked together as school Custodians and were familiar faces in their tight knit community.

After Clayton's death and Marilyn’s retirement from her roles with Polk County, she was ready for some favorable changes in life. Her dream of warm sandy beaches and tropical breezes were fulfilled when she moved to the Garden Isle, Kauai. Though an outsider (haole), she quickly gained acceptance by the local Hawaiians. The next 25 years of her life were filled with wonderful memories of friends and family who came to visit this enchanted Pacific paradise. Marilyn served many years as a volunteer for the Salvation Army of Kauai. Her free time was often spent working at Salt Pond or protecting the Monk Seals on Poipu Beach (her ideas of relaxing).

Marilyn recently left her island home to be closer to family. She returned to the majestic Northwest, coming full circle to where she spent some of her younger years. Surrounded by abundant wildlife and towering evergreens, she found peace in the final season of her life. Marilyn delighted in simple things: a stroll on the rocky shoreline, watching the garden grow, the variety of birds that fed daily at her windowsill, and the beautiful wildflowers that blossomed in the spring. A sheer delight to everyone she met, Marilyn’s joy, smile, laughter, and free spirit will be deeply missed.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husbands, six brothers, parents, and two grandsons. She is survived by her daughters Lorrie (Craig) Fjerstad of Lengby, MN and Suzanne (Paul) Hand of Port Towsend, WA, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Marilyn will be interred in Valier, MT next to her husband Clayton Heck.