Marske, Joni Marie (1953-2022)

MARSKE

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/1/2022 at 17:38:26

Joni Marie Marske peacefully went to heaven on January 31, 2022 holding hands with her husband, Gary, of forty-eight years. Joni was born on July 25, 1953 in Chicago, IL. She graduated from Good Counsel High School and loved everything about growing up in Chicago “my kind of town” including riding bikes to Lake Michigan with her brothers, playing beach volleyball, and enjoying rides at Riverview. She was also so proud to be presented as a Debutant at the Polish Red and White Ball.

Joni went on to marry her “little farm boy” on June 30, 1973. They settled in West Des Moines, IA and had their two sons. Joni continued her love for volleyball by teaching her boys all that she knew about the game and taking them to Aspen to play. Volleyball was her life! The Marske crew traveled often, especially to California where Joni and Gary had a dream to have a home outside of San Diego – they fulfilled that dream in 2009. They also loved boating and she had a passion for water skiing.

Joni then became a Babcia in 2013. Joni loved spoiling all four grandchildren with gifts, coloring with them, taking them to the zoo, and special adventures in California. They loved her thoughtfulness, Chicago Broccoli, and Mac and Cheese. Joni continued her care for others by being an organ donor and donated her beautiful blue eyes.

Family and friends will deeply miss her ‘surprise’ confetti in her handmade cards, waving her yellow towel at ISU Football games, singing “Sto lat”, learning about her polish traditions, and her most recent love of water aerobics. Joni was so special to so many, as she was the ‘JOY’ in Enjoy!

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Gary, sons Andy (Kelsey) Marske of Shawnee, KS, Alex (Gail) Marske of Clive, IA; grandchildren Stella, Augusta, Arthur, Whitney; brother John (Marcia) Piekielko of Mount Juliette, TN; brother James Piekielko of North Hollywood, CA; brother Joe Piekielko of Austin, TX. Nephews Brian and Brad (Lidiette), great nephews Logan, Lucas, and John S. Piekielko; great nieces Emma and Sophie Piekielko; and countless friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11 am, Saturday, February 5 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel. Inurnment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery. A Chicago luncheon and celebration will follow at Jasper Winery (2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines) starting at 1:30 pm. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Friday, February 4 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel.

Memorials in her name may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, the San Diego Humane Society, or Paws Chicago.