On April 4, 2020, Marian (Teker) Schleve, 105, travelled to her heavenly home. Marian was blessed to have remained in her home on Big Bend Road with the Frederick family providing daily love, comfort and support.

Marian was born on January 22, 1915, in a sod house on the Heart River near Leith, North Dakota, to Martin and Christina Teker.  She was the third of six siblings, with her twin brother, Lester, being born on January 23, 1915. Because Martin and Christina had emigrated from the Old Country, Marian and her five siblings were first generation Americans and had to learn English because early in life her parents always spoke Bohemian.

Marian graduated from high school in Leith as the valedictorian, a great accomplishment considering her early years of struggling to learn to read and write English. She was lucky to receive a 4-year scholarship to Jamestown College. After receiving her Bachelor's Degree she taught in various rural schools until receiving a job offer to teach English in Buffalo Gap, SD. Although the job took her away from Leith she was excited as she always wanted to teach English.

In the fall of 1941 Marian went to a dance in Hermosa, SD, where she met her future husband, Milton G Schleve. In the spring of 1942 Milton proposed to Marian and they were married June 25, 1942, in Newcastle, WY. In the fall of 1942 Milton was drafted so Marian returned to live in North Dakota. Leith became their home once the war was over and during that time five children were born. In December of 1950, Marian and Milton moved their family to Rapid City, SD, where they lived a full and productive life, enjoying the area and what it offered.

Marian returned to teaching in 1960, first at Garfield Elementary and then Wilson Elementary. She loved teaching and probably would have taught longer but because Milton had retired she decided to retire in 1983, having taught 23 years. Over the years she encountered many of her students, who had fond memories of their time in her classroom.

Marian loved to bake - known for her Baklava, Danish pastry, and peanut butter balls. She loved to travel – trips to Australia, New Zealand, the Scandinavian Countries, China, the Soviet Union, England, Ireland, and Germany. She did bus trips in the States with Milton, Marvel and Denny, and Lindy (Melinda). The summer after her 100 ^th birthday Marvel and Lindy took her on a road trip to Washington State, Oregon, Nevada and points between. Although she had lost her eye sight from macular degeneration years before, she had a wonderful time on the trip, enjoying visits with relatives and even a few stops at casinos. She also enjoyed her trips to Deadwood, where she would win some, lose some. Marian enjoyed volunteering at Canyon Lake Senior Center, Big Bend Presbyterian Church, and RSVP, where she volunteered hundreds of hours. Although Milt found favor with his dogs, cats were loved by Marian, including Buttons, Sam, Luna and Cinnamon, who will welcome her to her heavenly home.

Marian was the last of her generation and as such became the Matriarch of the Teker family. She so loved her nieces, Irene Moore, Donna Mattson, Carol Rieth and Penny (John) Weber and nephews, Ronnie (Virginia) Teker, Larry Teker and Bruce (Margie) Jones and they in turn loved and supported her.

Marian is survived by her sons, Milton 'Jim' (Ann) Schleve and Marshall (Sandra) Schleve; her daughters, Marvel (Dennis) Thuringer and Melinda Loy; her grandchildren, Christine (Mark) Frederick, Barry (Tamara) Loy, and Kim (Evan Keffeler) Thuringer; step-grandchildren, Dan (Shelly) Thuringer and Jeff (Heather) Thuringer; great-grandchildren, Nolan, Sarah, Tessa and Chloe Frederick, Carter Loy; and step great-grandchildren, Connor, Elise, Boyce, Riley, Cole, and Emelia Thuringer; her nieces and nephews and their families, and other relatives and friends.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Milton (12-25-2002), three brothers, two sisters, and spouses, an infant daughter, and a niece and a nephew.

A big ' Thanks ' goes to the Frederick, Loy, and Thuringer families who provided comfort and support so Marian could remain in her home. Also to In Home Hospice who provided guidance and support during Marian's last weeks.

Because of the COVID-19 virus and our concern for the health of all, a private family burial will take place at the Black Hills National Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will be planned for a future date. Cards and memories may be sent to 13100 Big Bend Road, Rapid City, SD 57702.

In lieu of flowers and plants a memorial has been established to the Humane Society of the Black Hills.