Marilyn Kay Hresko

Marilyn Kay Sletten Hresko, age 69, died Dec. 20, 2012, at Westwood Health and Rehab, where she had been cared for by a loving and devoted staff for many years. This was the end of a 50-year-long battle with multiple sclerosis. Through it all, she maintained tremendous faith and was a witness to all who met her. Marilyn was born Oct. 23, 1943, in Bison, S.D., to Hjalmer and Eleanor Sletten of Zeona, S.D. Marilyn attended rural country schools through the eighth grade, then Newell High School and Rapid City Business School. She was united in marriage to Michael Hresko on Dec. 16, 1962, who was career Air Force. They spent several years in Hawaii, California and Tuscon, Ariz., before being divorced, during which time Marilyn worked as a secretary for various firms and organizations. Marilyn moved to Arkansas with her mother and son in 1979 when her health began to fail. She was preceded in death by her parents; and twin infant sons. She is survived by her only son, Michael Hresko Jr. and wife, Stephanie; brothers, LeRoy "Lee" Sletten and Richard Sletten; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, at the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Chapel in Springdale, Ark., with private burial at Friendship Cemetery. Pastor Mark Krause of Salem Lutheran Church will officiate. Donations can be made in her name to the Salem Lutheran Church Food Pantry. Online guest book at www.backstrom-pyeatte.com.