Marianne Koskulitz Bartman

Marianne Koskulitz Bartman, of Salt Lake City, Utah, went to heaven on August 4, 2017.

Marianne was loving and beloved to Rick, her adored husband; a cherished sibling to Bernie, Jane, John, and Mark; an amazing aunt to Maggie, Tara, Deaynna and Conner; sister-in-law to Jim, Scott, Dori, and Lise; a mentor to hundreds of young adults through her work; and a devoted friend to many. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bernie "Pickett" Koskulitz and Mary Anne Curran Koskulitz, both long time teachers at West Hazleton High School. In fact, Pickett taught and coached at WHHS for over 30 years. Her parents left Marianne and her siblings a precious heritage: a sense of humor, a love for life, and the courage to live it in the way we choose.  They developed in their children a passion for learning, a deep appreciation of music and books, a commitment to family, and a strong moral code.  But most of all, they instilled in their family a sense of honor that kept them true to their convictions and faithful to their obligations.

Marianne and Rick fought cancer with their heart and soul. As a team, they tried conventional and nonconventional options together. In the end, cancer did not win.  Jesus won back a daughter whom He brought home. Marianne's life was one of service.  She gave of herself fully and completely, living as Jesus taught us.  As a most loved wife, she made her husband into the man he is today.  Rick says his life began with Marianne, 30 years ago when they met at a summer camp in the hills of northeastern Pennsylvania.  They shared a life filled with travel, adventure, challenges, triumphs, laughter and, more than anything, a deep, fulfilling love. Married for almost 28 years, they may have had their ups and downs, but they always had each other.  

Together, as a team, we are very thankful for all of the amazing folks at Huntsman Cancer Center for their research, treatment, and kindness over the last few years.  Thank you as well to the Cooper and Huntsman families who opened the doors of Huntsman Cancer wide for us at a time when we had little hope. Special thanks to our Juan Diego family who showed such love and compassion for us these last few years. Thank you to all of the friends who have loved us through the time we have been in Utah.  We will never forget you and your generosity; you are family and we love you beyond measure.  

In the end, it is not what you have amassed in earthly goods that is the measure of the person: it is how we demonstrate God's love for each other.  When you saw Marianne, you saw what He meant when He said He made us in His image and likeness.

A celebration of Marianne's life will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2017 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM with a vigil beginning at 4:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. 

A Funeral Mass and inurnment will be held in Pennsylvania on Friday, August 18, 2017. Please, we request no flowers or plants. If you would like to memorialize Marianne, a donation to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation in her name would be appreciated to help further their work, so fewer people have to go through what we have gone through these last few years.