Marrilynn Joyce Ann Sawatzky

About Marrilynn

Marrilynn Joyce Ann Sawatzky, 88, Two Inlets, MN passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2023 at her home.

Marrilynn was born March 4, 1934, in Faith, SD to Jennings “Jack” and Lulia Mae (Teller) Thomas. She attended St. Frances Roman Catholic High School in Little Falls, MN and graduated in 1952.

She moved to Minneapolis where she worked as a secretary. In 1954, she married Paul Lehman, Jr. in Faith, SD. They bought a Coast-to-Coast hardware store and moved to Fort Benton, MT in 1959. Paul passed away in 1990. On June 19, 2004 she was united in marriage to Robert Sawatzky in Two Inlets.

Marrilynn was an artist. She enjoyed painting, woodworking, and embroidery. She taught ceramics and had her own shop in her house where she also molded ceramics and fired them. Marrilynn also taught porcelain doll making and tole painting. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening.

From 1993 to 2000, Marrilynn and her sister, Darlene, owned and operated a Bed and Breakfast in Deadwood, SD. She then moved to Park Rapids, MN.

Marrilynn is survived by her husband, Robert Sawatzky of Park Rapids; daughters, Penny Rossetter of Park Rapids, Lori Keuffel of Anacortes, WA, Jill (Jim) Bedwell of Plentywood, MT, Andy (Dave) Lehman of Orchard Park, NY; sons, Ed (Ronnie) Lehman, Helena, MT, Mike (Gayle) Lehman, Fort Benton, MT, Tom Lehman, Flagstaff, AZ; stepson, Loren Sawatzky of Wadena, MN; grandchildren, Rick, Tim, Jamie, Charlie, Tyler, Dustin, Kjersti, Megan, Dani, Ben, Stephanie, Todd, and Chester; many nieces and nephews; and great grandchildren, Claire, Braydee, Megan, Mikel, Piper, Hunter, Vaidee, and Aubree.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Paul Lehman, Jr.; parents, Jack and Lulia Thomas; brothers, Bernard and (Sonny) Gerald; sisters, Eldora Wattenhofer and Darlene Fees.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Marrilynn

February 15, 2023

St Mary's Catholic Church 55744 Co Hwy 44, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA

Rev. Fr. Joe Richards will be presiding. Inurnment will be this summer at Riverside Cemetery in Fort Benton, MT.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home