The family of Marlynn Louise Rogstad, age 89, is saddened to announce her peaceful death at Oliver Lodge Friday, March 28. She was in no pain and her son Jeff was at her side when it happened. A Memorial Service will be held at McClure United Church (4025 Taylor Street E., Saskatoon) Saturday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m., Rev. Debra Berg officiating.
Marlynn was born in Nanaimo, British Columbia to Chris and Jean (nee: Houston) Mills where she lived until her early school years. After a coal-mine explosion took the life of her father Chris, Marlynn’s mother met a young signalman, Lance Corporal Jim Daniels from Humboldt, Saskatchewan. After Jim and Jean’s marriage, Jim adopted Marlynn and her brother Bruce, and later a sister, Jean-Anne, was born. The Daniels family then moved to Humboldt while Jim served overseas returning with the rank of Lieutenant. Following Jim’s return from the war, Marlynn’s sister Beryl was born.
Throughout her life, Marlynn was encouraged and had the fortunate opportunity for piano and singing lessons and she developed a lovely voice. She sang in many choirs and as a soloist starting at Westminster United Church in Humboldt. Marlynn had a life-long love and passion for music and choral, eventually serving as a Board member of the Saskatchewan Choral Federation.
As an adventurous young woman and seeking a career as a flight attendant, Marlynn enrolled in nursing at Regina General Hospital (at the time, flight attendants also had to be nurses). Here, she eventually met a funny and bright intern Dr. Vern Rogstad from Sturgis, Saskatchewan.
Marlynn graduated at the top of her class at RGH going on to instruct obstetrical nursing at University Hospital (as it then was).
She and Vern kept up a distance relationship between Saskatoon and Prince Albert where Vern worked at the P.A. Clinic. After they married and their son Scott was born, Vern took on general practice in Burnaby, B.C. Then, Vern had the opportunity to purchase a medical practice in Saskatchewan; the Rogstads set down their roots in Watson. It was driving distance from both sets of grandparents and where “Doc” and Marlynn added three more children to the family: Jeff, Mark and Marnie.
In Watson, Marlynn immersed herself in community, church and musical life. She made many contributions to Trinity United Church as a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, C.G.I.T. leader, and active U.C.W. member. Most special were the services she lent her beautiful singing voice to, whether Christmas Eve, Easter or at a wedding or funeral. Her love of singing also drew her to St. Peter’s Chorus in which she sang for over 45 years.
The proximity of Watson to St. Peter’s College in Muenster also afforded Marlynn to pursue studies in English, completing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of
Saskatchewan. She took on Graduate Studies in Irish literature – at the urging of her friend, Dr. Anne Saddlemeyer – exploring the works of Alice Milligan.
It was during this time, Marlynn lost Vern, the love of her life, who died suddenly at age 62.
Despite this heartbreaking setback, Marlynn’s community leadership continued: politics was also one of her passions. Having experienced the closure of the local hospital that affected Doc so deeply, she worked to preserve schooling in Watson and district. Marlynn ran successfully as a public-school trustee, serving for 14 years – helping maintain elementary and high schools in town.
Marlynn also became involved in the governance of St. Peter’s College as a board member and later as its first woman Chairperson.
For all of her contributions to her province and community, Marlynn was recognized with the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal. It was an honour she cherished dearly.
Later in life, a large house and yard became too much for Marlynn to manage by herself, so she made the difficult decision to leave Watson and moved to Saskatoon. She became a resident at McClure Tower where she also became an active member in McClure United Church. As her health and mobility declined Marlynn made a move to Amy McClure house and eventually Oliver Lodge where she remained until her passing.
Marlynn Rogstad lived an interesting, full and vibrant life. She is predeceased by her husband Dr. Vern Rogstad; father Chris Mills; mother, Jean Daniels; stepfather Jim Daniels; sister-in-law, Nelda (Lemke) Bell, Brothers-in-law Gerald Lemke and Clayton Bell, nephew Richard Lemke, and niece Sharon Weseen. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Scott, Yuri, Jeff, Mark, Dorinda, Marnie and Adam; and her grandchildren: Hana, Erika, Lukas, Ava and Sam. She is further survived by her brother Bruce (Joan), sisters Jean-Anne (Wally), Beryl (Les), sisters-in-law Jeanette (Barry), Gloria and Marlynn’s many nephews, nieces and their families.
Marlynn’s family has the deepest gratitude for the staff at Oliver Lodge for their highly attentive and gentle personal care as well as for Dr. Kurt Roelens and Dr. Colin Pierce for their professional and prompt attention to Marlynn’s medical care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Marlynn to: University of Saskatchewan, College of Nursing, Marlynn Rogstad Memorial Nursing Fund. To offer condolences or to view the livestream please visit . Arrangements entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.
