Marian Irwin

OMAK, Wash. — Marian Wanda (Ratajczak) Irwin, 79, passed away at Wenatchee, WA on May 18, 2019 after suffering a stroke. She had been living in her own home in Omak, WA.

Marian aka “Mary Ann” (her stage name) Irwin was born July 23, 1939 in Ivanhoe, Minn., to Walter and Frances Ratajczak on the family farm north of Ivanhoe. She graduated from Ivanhoe High School in 1957. Marian followed her parents’ footsteps when she joined their dance band (Walt’s Gang) and later formed her musical band along with her husband, Stuart; and provided entertainment at area places such as the Showboat Ballroom in Lake Benton.

On June 20, 1967, she married Stuart Irwin from Miller, SD at the St. John’s Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno, MN. Marian and Stu raised 3 children, Kay (David) Sexton of Okanagan, WA; David Irwin of Ashley, ND; and Dennis (Krista) Irwin of Okanagan.

The family lived in Pierre, SD, and Mobridge, SD before moving and settling in Omak, WA in 1967 where they continued their music.

Besides being a singer and guitar player in “Country Roads” in WA area, Marian was an avid hunter and fisher, archery; and won ribbons for her garden flowers and canning. Marian and Stuart shared equal interest in these hobbies.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses; seven grandchildren: Bradley Irwin, Tiffany Schaefer, Brandon Schaefer, Shaelyn, Camden Samuel, Dane, and Christopher Irwin; great- grandchildren, Christian Irwin, Dallas Irwin, Nathaniel Irwin and Benjamin Irwin all from the Omak-Okanagan area in Washington.

Also surviving her are her three brothers, Henry (Agnes) Ratajczak of West Fargo, Marc (Sharon) Ratajczak of Sabin MN; and Ervin (Sue) Ratajczak of Fargo, ND; sister Clara Sik of Ivanhoe; and one Aunt, Hedwig Ratajczak of Ivanhoe.

Preceding her in death, were her husband, Stuart Irwin in February of 2015; her brother, Edward (Sharon) Ratajczak, son-in-law, David Schaefer, and her parents, Walt & Frances.

Services where held at the Percht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel in Okanogan, WA with burial in the Okanogan City Cemetery on June 1, 2019.

Blessed be her memory.