Marianne Koskulitz Bartman
September 16, 1959 - August 4, 2017
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.
In Loving Memory
Dear Rick- God bless Marianne with His grace and peace, His mercy and light. She trusted His saving love. May you find that same love still holding you: God's grace in your broken heart during your private times, and that grace pouring from the arms and hearts of us your friends when we hold you, even in thought. In my every prayer, Norm
Norman Allred
Tullamore, Ireland, nan
Dear Rick, Words cannot describe the absolute joy that Marianne brought to our lives. We are forever grateful for the powers that brought you both to Utah and into our family! We have so many wonderful memories of times together that we will hold near and dear to our hearts. We send our love and hugs to you and your family during this time of sorrow. I also know that she would tell us to get over it and live life to the fullest. We will be toasting her with a lovely glass of Italian wine tonight! Warmly, Jen and Tim
Tim and Jen Soran
Hollday, UT
Rick, You are in my thoughts and prayers. Marianne spread joy wherever she went to whomever she encountered. I will cherish the Friday Night Lights games that we shared at Judge. Sincerely, Tina
Tina Bergquist
Bountiful, UT
Rick, You have our deepest sympathy. 'Receive in tranquility and peace, O Lord, the souls of your servants who have departed this present life to come to you. Grant them rest and place them in the habitations of light, the abodes of blessed spirits. Give them the life that will not age, good things that will not pass away, delights that have no end, through Jesus Christ our Lord.' Amen.
Kathy F. and Mike K.
Salt Lake City, UT
The memories of Marianne will always bring me joy: remembering our years together as counselors and staff at camp. Remembering the many days we laughed so hard we cried. Remembering deep secrets shared over a beer and a pizza. Remembering when we couldn't wait for camp to start again so we could spend the summer together. Marianne will always mean love in my memories. Rick, my condolences to you and the family. You were a strong pillar for Mare to lean against. Thank you for that support. Prayers and love to you. Bless. Friends, friends, friends we will always be...
Nancy Wiggins
Yardville, NJ
Rick, I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Marianne but I am grateful that she is no longer suffering with this awful disease. The thought of Marianne will always make me smile as I think of her always smiling and laughing. I learned many lessons from Marianne during our years at camp but the most important were how to have a great work ethic and how to be a great friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Koskolitz family. Karen Feast
Karen Feast
Columbus, Oh
Rick, what a beautiful life you and Marianne shared together. What an absolute joy to devote your life to such an absolutely free and unbridled spirit. With so much gratitude for such zealous participation in Michael's annual Scholarship. You both remain in our thoughts and prayers always. With much love from our family to yours.
George Starks Family
Anacortes, UT
I loved this beautiful, sweet soul. We always called one another "sister" and in our hearts it was so. I ached for more days and years with her, but last Friday night it was time for her to slip the surly bonds of earth as she was called home by her Lord and Savior. We simply never have enough time with those we love, but I thank G*d for the time we had and am so very grateful she is out of pain and at peace. I will hold you in my heart until we meet again, my sweet, sweet sister. XO
Paige Pierce
Sandy, Ut
I had the privilege to know this wonderful woman and to be able to see her off and on for the past 6 months. She is the kindest and sweetest person that ever walked the halls of Judge Memorial and probably even this world in general. You will surely be missed by every single person who was lucky enough to get to know you, but we all know you're in a better place and watching over us all. Rest In Peace. Love you forever!
Grant Pierce
Sandy, Ut
Marianne - You challenged me to think deeply and write often. Amidst a student body of stellar athletes, you championed for those of us who loved the arts. Your office was a a safe haven for good chats and the occasional hug when adolescence felt particularly difficult. Your mentorship will always be with me. Thanks a million. Rest easy.
Kate Harrington
Salt Lake City, nan
There are no words that will truly comfort you, There is a hole in your heart, so fill it with good memories. She4 is at peace and, if you truly believe as i do, she will never leave you. You will feel her presence and know she is there for you. Rosie
Rosemary Fogarty
Poinciana, FL
Rick, our heartfelt prayers to your family over the loss of Marianne. How blessed you were to have had so many beautiful years together. Sending much love and appreciation for having had both of you in our lives.
George and Jane Starks
Anacortes, WA