Mike Mareski was born on May 21, 1928 on the homestead (NE34-47-17W3) of his parents Joseph and Mary Mareski three miles east of Gronlid. The ninth of eleven children, he attended Athol School and completed 8th grade. He spent the winter of 1948-1949 in Toronto working as an apprentice tinsmith but the big city life was not for him. After the winter he moved back to the farm to work with his brothers. Mike married Josie on November 19, 1960. They then settled on their own farm six miles east of Gronlid where their daughters Angie and Della grew up. Mike farmed for many years; to help make ends meet he purchased chickens and began supplying eggs to businesses in the Nipawin area including the hospital, nursing home, and several grocery stores. After many years working on the farm, Mike and Josie travelled to Europe and visited family in Poland, England, and France. They retired in 1989 and moved into Melfort where they enjoyed the company of friends and family. They loved to play cards, host meals, and garden. Mike was part of the Knights of Columbus and an active member of his parish community, often helping with repairs at the church. He enjoyed birdwatching, dancing, and old-time music. Every day Mike would walk to meet his friends for coffee. Each year in the summertime Mike and Josie would pick berries, often with the help of their five grandchildren. Mike and Josie were inseparable. Whether making perogies or cross-country skiing, they were always together. In his later years, Mike stayed closer to home but he still enjoyed receiving visitors. Mike was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary and his siblings Frank, Annie (Ronald Drake), Sophie (Seth Hettrick), Katie (Arthur Drake), Helen (Steve Burlock), Andrew (Helen Kaminski), Peter, and John. He is survived by his wife Josie, his sister Josephine (Sr. Helen), his children Angie (Bernie Smith) and Della (Rick Love), and his grandchildren Michael, Anthony, Erin (Smith), and Laura and Chris (Love) Memorial contributions in memory of Mike may be directed to the Lung Association of Saskatchewan.