Age 81
Born May of 1936 to parents Adolf & Alice Shogren and big brother Ruben. Raised on a farm near Grantsburg, WI she attended Grantsburg schools until graduation in 1954. She only missed one day of school on Senior Skip Day. She was active in 4H, American Legion and an accordion player. Marie met husband George Pistulka at The Bridge Dance Hall and married in May 1959 settling in the St. Paul-Inver Grove area. They enjoyed going to the various dance halls of the time to dance mostly polkas. Marie also enjoyed baking, was excellent with a crochet hook making everything from doilies to hot pads, hats and afghan blankets. She also enjoyed the flower gardens and local song birds.
Always caring for veterans Marie was a lifetime member of VFW Post 295 and volunteered for many activities, fish fry set-up and prep, bingo at the Vets Home and Welcome Center at the airport are just a few.
Marie worked at Masters until their closing and moved onto work at Pearson’s Candy until retirement in 1999. After retirement she cared for her grandchildren after school, visiting friends and volunteering for the VFW. Marie’s physical and then mental abilities gradually declined, eventually bringing her to live at Southview Acres for her last few years. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Adolph Shogren; brother, Ruben; husband, George Pistulka; sisters-in-law, Gladys (Pistulka) Carlson and husband Milo, Ruby (Pistulka) Kath; brother-in-law and wife, Herb (Lydia) Pistulka. Survived by son, Randy (Danette) Pistulka; daughter, Charlotte (Donald) Carey; grandsons, Jon Carey and Jared Pistulka; granddaughters, Amanda Carey and Rebecca Pistulka; sister-in-law, Donna Shogren; brother-in-law, Lester Kath; also many nieces and nephews.
Marie joined her beloved husband, parents and brother on January 3, 2018. VFW Auxiliary Ritual and Memorial Service 12 Noon, Monday, January 8th, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7500 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 11 AM – 12 Noon prior to the service. Luncheon will be served at SSP VFW Post 295, 111 Concord Exchange So., South St. Paul. Interment will be with George at Fort Snelling National Cemetery immediately following the service.