Eileen “Flo” Florence (Lipke) Maresh, 72, of Valley City passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, August 21, 2020.
Eileen was born to Marian (Monson) and Earl Lipke on January 3, 1948. Eileen graduated from Larimore High School in 1966. She went on to earn her degree in Medical Lab Sciences from the Institute of Medical Technique in Minneapolis in 1967. Eileen went to work for Renville County Hospital in Mohall, ND as a Medical Lab Technician. She also worked for the Valley City Clinic, Mercy Hospital and City County Health in the WIC Department. Eileen married Dennis Maresh on December 19, 1969 and they were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends in December of 2019. Eileen loved to take care of others and she did so by doing Respite Care for Special Needs Children, Home Health Care, and volunteering at many places and events all over Valley City, including Jefferson Elementary School where hundreds of kids knew her by name.
Eileen is survived by her daughters Peggy (Brian) Ward, Hunter, ND, Nancy (Al) Melo, Colorado Springs, CO., Susan Lloyd, Valley City, Paula (Bill) Hill, Green Bay, Wisconsin. Eileen’s 10 grandchildren Carley, Whitney, Hunter, Cacie, Courtney, Cayden, Brinkley, Bailee, Heath and Ella, who were her pride and joy. Her sister Ione Scivally and nieces Sara Huiss and Shana Scott. Eileen is also survived by her Brother and Sisters In Law Robert “Swampy” (Carrie) Maresh , Mary Linn (Scott) Tangen, Pam Swenson, Debbie (Wayne) Eggert, and Connie Maresh, brother in-law Mike Rasmussen and numerous nieces and nephews. She loved to attend her grandchildren’s school and sporting events and was an avid HI-Liner, Harrison Panthers, Northern Cass Jaguar, VCSU Viking and Jamestown Jimmie fan!
She was proceeded in death by her parents, her mother and father in law, her husband Dennis, sister-in-law, Bonnie Rasmussen, her brother in-law, Terry Swenson, and an infant niece and nephew.
There will be a visitation on Thursday, August 27th from 5:00-7:00 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 28th at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with burial at Hillside Cemetery following the funeral. Lunch will then be served at the Eagles Club. We ask that everyone please remember to follow social distancing guidelines.
Eileen had a servant heart. She loved to check in on people and would do so by calling someone or sending a card. Let someone know you are thinking of them by checking in on them! As we head back into a new school year, Flo also took care of the students by buying school supplies. If you are inclined, please help out the students by donating school supplies.
Her family estimates she was involved with 25+ charities over the years. Per Eileen’s requests for memorials, if you have a special memory volunteering with her, please give to that charity where you both spent your time.