Myrtle (Marcinkowski) Reimer
On July 30, 2017, after a ten-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, Myrtle (Mike) Marcinkowski Reimer was finally able to go “home” as a result of a recent stroke. Mike was born December 29, 1935, in Devils Lake, North Dakota to Clarence and Laura Bratvold. Her family resided in Brocket, North Dakota, (where her father was a postman) until her junior year in high school. Following the deaths of her younger sister Lois (childhood Leukemia) and her father (heart disease), Laura remarried and relocated the family to Fort Benton, Montana. Mike graduated from Fort Benton High in 1953.
Mike studied nursing at Northern Montana College in Havre and at the Deaconess Hospital in Great Falls until she met a very handsome George Marcinkowski on a blind date. They were married on July 2, 1955. Mike decided to leave school to become a wonderful full-time mother and homemaker. They bought Evan’s Blacksmith & Welding Shop on Helena Avenue which George operated until his death in 1989. Mike faithfully kept the books, tended to their small farm outside of East Helena, and raised three daughters – Vicky, Peggy Laurine, and Shelly. Mike was very active in Campfire, Bluebirds and 4-H. She was a member of the Merry Mixers (originally formed as a Home Demonstration Club through the County Extension Office) for over 50 years – and was able to attend monthly meetings with her daughter Shelly through April of 2016 when her declining health prevented her from doing so. In September of 2008, members of the group went on a three-week trip to Branson, Missouri.
After the last of her children left the nest, Mike attended the Vo-tech in Helena and received her medical secretary degree. She worked for Crawford Rehabilitation Services for ten years. She retired in 1997.
Following George’s death, Mike met Tom Reimer who had recently been widowed and transplanted from Boston, Massachusetts. He was a fine Irishman who took her to the Butte St. Patty’s Day parade in 1991; proposed to her on St. Patty’s Day in 1992; and married her on St. Patty’s day in 1993! They enjoyed 15 years of marriage before his death in 2008. Tom became an excellent grandfather to Mike’s two granddaughters. They loved the time they spent at “Grandma and Tom’s” outside Montana City. Mike and Tom enjoyed traveling and took many trips including cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, and Panama. They also traveled to Norway, Boston, and Florida – just to name a few.
Mike enjoyed reading Nora Roberts novels; sewing (she actually made Shelly’s beautiful wedding dress); cooking (she prepared and served too many holiday and family dinners to count); planting and tending to flowers; and spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed near-weekly lunches out with her daughters until July 11th; and enjoyed season tickets to both the Grandstreet Theater and “Live at the Civic” until her failing health prevented her attendance.
Mike was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, and her sister Lois. She is survived by her daughters Vicky (Dale) DesRosier of Belgrade, Peggy Laurine Marcinkowski of Salem, OR and Shelly (Don) Laine of Helena; granddaughters Aubrey (Miles) Yerger and Morgan Laine (fiancé Justin Teegarden) and one great-grandson Everett Yerger. She is also survived by her sisters Ethel Ferree, Karen (Elmer) Wolf of Great Falls and Ione (Ken) Poole of Thief River Falls, MN as well as Tom’s five children and their families.
The family would like to thank Mike’s numerous medical providers (as well as legal professionals and social workers) who offered guidance and support throughout this long journey. And a special thank you to the management and staff of Son Heaven Assisted Living for their exemplary and loving care for the past eight years. We couldn’t have done it with without you!
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Kelly Masom says
I was so very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, she was a wonderful woman who was so good to our family growing up. We had such great times visiting and being welcomed into the Marcinkowski home. I will always hold fond memories of our trips to Helena. Sending prayers to all during this difficult time.
Kelly Masom. ( Weldon )
Cindy Stevick says
Shelly and family, this is such a sad time for you but also a time to celebrate your mom’s freedom from Alzheimer’s Disease. The journey has been long and very, very difficult but, Shelly, you have taken such amazingly good care of your mom and looked after her needs, helping to make the choices that are so difficult for a person with Alzheimer’s. I admire your strong dedication to your mom and her wellbeing! You are a shining star in my book! I send my blessings and lots of hugs and prayers as you honor your mom’s life and celebrate the many years of love. May you be blessed with beautiful memories!
Shawn Beckman says
So sorry for your loss.Mike was a very sweet and loving lady she will be missed very much.2
Darcy Lee says
Oh so many great memories — with the Marcinkowski and the Lee family growing up in the early years in East Helena! I always fondly remember Mike’s great spirit and laugh — She made the best homemade pizza — and sitting around her record player while she played the Cinderella record and I followed along with the book
Such a great lady — and it shows with the 3 beautiful daughters she raised!
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Love,
Darcy Lee
Darcy Lee
Jeanine Lee says
Mike made me feel whole when I was empty
she made me patient when I was nought
she held me when I was scared
and then we laughed when we found out
Mile could sew when I picked stitches
she made cinnamon rolls at midnight when we were hungry
she showed me how to sneak beer where we shouldn’t
and constantly shared moments of delight.
Mike embraced summer and all her girls,
she ventured in roads less traveled
she keeps the space all spic and span
and brave enough to see the marvel
Mike had her wings so long ago
she shared with me her strength and faith
never complained, always found the good,
lightened my load when hers was heavy
You my dear Mike have earned the glitter
the glow, the stars, the gold, that beautiful place,
the flowers the flow live a river you’ve earned
the peace, the love, and uniting with the saints
As memories come like shadows and sounds
you will hear me singing this song.
“What are you doing in heaven today?”
I love you my dear friend. until we meet again Jeanine
Curtis Stanghill says
Sorry for your loss. Lots of memories in East Helena. Many prayers for the family.
Glen Cuchine says
The community of East Helena was all the richer for “Mike”. Her loving family and personality shone brightly. While heaven has gained a worthy angel; we are left alone without one of our angels. God Speed, Mike
Kathleen Van drunen says
I enjoyed working with “Mike” at Crawford and Company. She is one of my fondest memories.
Rebecca Clark Brockway says
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I remember she was such a gracious lady and so much fun. My grandmother, Helen Smith, just lived up the road from your mom. She always commented on what a lovely family you had. God be with you and yours through this difficult time.
Michael Amstadter says
Working with Mike was one of the special joys of my job with Crawford Rehabiliation Services. Her smile could light up the room and her calm yet joyous personality impacted so many of her coworkers.
I left Helena in 1990 and so I especially appreciated reading her obituary and learning about the second chapter of her life and adventures with Tom.
As I think of Mike l can still so vividly see her glowing loving smile … and I’m smiling too, honoring a sweet soul and a life well lived.
Janeene Monley(Rainsberry) says
Thinking of you all at this sad time. My mother, Helen Rainsberry, was deeply saddened by the death of her dear friend Mike. Mike will be missed by all who loved her infectious laughter and sense of humor.
Condolences to all.
Helen and O’Neil Rainsberry
Janeene
Tom