Marsha Gail (Heimer) Pawluk, 65, of Austin Minnesota, died of natural causes in her home Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017.

Marsha was born on Oct. 26, 1951, to Cletus and Marcella (Diggins) Heimer. She graduated from Austin High School in 1970.

As a young girl, Marsha spent many happy hours playing softball with her sisters where she earned the nickname, “Roast Beef.”

On April 8, 1972, she married Paul Pawluk. Together they had two daughters, Rebecca (Nathan) Finney of Austin and Kellie (Steve) Engen of Peoria, Arizona.

Marsha had a huge passion for helping troubled youth in the community. She began her career working at the Sheriff’s Boys Ranch. She later joined her mother working as a foster care provider. It was important to Marsha that every child had a safe place to be and felt loved. In her 35 years as a foster parent, she provided a safe and loving home to hundreds of children.

What filled Marsha’s heart the most was the love she had for her grandchildren and great-grandson. She cherished the time she spent with them and was very involved in their activities.

Marsha also enjoyed cooking, camping, bowling, darts, pool and bingo.

Marsha also loved to travel. Arizona, where she visited to see her daughter and grandsons, was her favorite destination. Marsha was close to her siblings and her extended family. She was everybody’s “go-to” person for a good story to share, a shoulder to lean on, or some sound advice.

Survivors include her husband, Paul Pawluk of Austin; daughter, Rebecca (Nathan) Finney, Austin; daughter, Kellie (Steven) Engen, Peoria, Arizona; son, Phi Ho, Austin; grandkids, Nicole, Mikayla, Hannah, Kellie, Owen, Kellen, Thomas; great-grandchild, Carter; siblings, Charlene Blowers, Austin, Ricky (Barbara) Heimer, Perham, Minnesota; Renee (Anthony) Merten, Austin, and Julie (Mark) Farrell, Lyle, Minnesota; and numerous family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Cletus and Marcella Heimer; sister, Nancy Heimer; brother, Thomas Heimer; niece, Amanda Heimer; nephew, Jason Blowers; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Raul Silva officiating. There will be a 5 p.m. CCW rosary on Friday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. The family will also greet friends at a luncheon following the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Casket bearers will be Nathan Finney, Steven Engen, Phi Ho, David Titus, Thomas Heimer, Mikayla Finney, Hannah Finney, Brooklyn Hanson and Jennifer Beckel.

Her sudden loss has left many longing for a chance to tell her goodbye, to hear one more story, and to feel one more loving hug. She will be missed dearly by so many.

Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.