Margaret (Morken) Prekaski

Margaret Morken Prekaski, beloved wife of Tom Prekaski of Sturgis, passed away on Wednesday, January, 25, 2023 after a courageous and inspiring battle with cancer. She was 68 years of age.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 1:30 from the Sturgis Community Hall.

Donations in memory of Margaret may be made to the Preeceville Hospital Auxiliary for Palliative Care (Box 633 Preeceville, SK S0A 3B0).

or to establish a scholarship in memory of Margaret at the Sturgis Composite School (c/o Mavis Morken, Box 513 Sturgis, SK, S0A 4A0).

Our beloved Margaret was born on February 25, 1954 at the Preeceville Union Hospital to Bud & Yvonne Morken. Margaret grew up on a farm bordering the town of Sturgis. There was plenty to see and do on the farm and the words “Me too!” quickly became a very important part of her vocabulary as she followed her big brother around and wanted to do everything he did. As time passed, she learned to drive the tractor, standard transmission vehicles, milk cows and cook meals for a big crew of men putting up silage on the farm. She also learned to plant gardens and look after flowers. Playing in the dirt with flowers became a lifelong pleasure for Margaret. Sewing was an art she mastered early, eventually sewing her own clothes, dress jackets, outfits, etc. She always had a love for animals, belonging to both the local Beef & Light Horse 4H clubs. Her love of horses began at a very early age. Horses became a very important part of her life. In her early teen years many days were spent riding around the countryside with friends and culminated with hitching their horses behind the Blue Bird Cafe and going inside to have an ice cream float. Perfect ending to a perfect day!

Margaret attended school in Sturgis and graduated in 1972 from SCHS. She was involved in many different activities while in High School. After graduation she went on to attend University to achieve her Bachelor of Education and become a teacher just like her mother.

Along the way she began dating and later married Tom Prekaski, who was also from Sturgis. They were married on the Morken family farm on July 28, 1973. They both attended the University of Regina but later transferred to the U of S in Saskatoon, where they both completed their B.Ed’s.

Their teaching careers began in La Loche, Saskatchewan where they taught for 3 years. While there they learned about a new culture and a different way of life. It was a very memorable experience. During that time, they met many young teachers from all over Canada and the USA which led to some lifelong friendships that have been cherished over time.

In 1979 Margaret & Tom moved back home to Sturgis where they both resumed their teaching careers. Margaret became the Home Ec teacher at SCHS also teaching subjects such as Social Studies, English, Health and served as Guidance Councillor too. During that time she was active in the Saskatchewan Home Ec Teachers’ Association and served a term as President.

During her time back home she became very involved in the horse world. She volunteered as 4H Light Horse Club leader, taught and judged many horse events after attaining her Coaching & Judging qualifications. She was active in the executive of the Sask Horse Federation and really enjoyed “paling around on the Horse Show Circuit” with her good friend Karen to many parts unknown, even so far as to Phoenix, Arizona.

Later in life she was determined to trace her Morken family roots in Norway. Her dream came true when in 2016 she enjoyed a trip to Norway, along with Dick & Mavis, Rita & Brenda. There were also stops at Reyjavik, Barcelona & Paris. It was the “Trip of a Lifetime”!  While in Norway a Stormorken Family Reunion was held where she met many wonderful relatives who are also related to the Stenen’s. She said hello to the original Stenen Rock in Norway! She always wanted to return but it became impossible.

She really enjoyed traveling and enjoyed the National Rodeos final in Las Vegas a couple times, as well as trips to New York, Nashville, Memphis, Mexico and various places in Canada.

Margaret loved all of creation even though parts of it annoyed her like when mosquitoes would bite or the gophers would dig up her flowers, but she knew they were all necessary in the great scheme of things.

Margaret loved music and enjoyed many concerts over the years. The music varied from the Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan to the Blind Boys of Alabama. She had many interests and enjoyed Scrapbooking, Photography, working Bingo, helping with the Horticultural Society, and her time on the executive of the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan but she was most happy when family gathered together! Family meant the world to Margaret!

She faced many health challenges over the years but always maintained a positive outlook on life. She continually spread light and love wherever she went. Throughout her cancer journey, she set and achieved many goals, and being home for Christmas this year, spending special time with her family was a big one and she did it! Another goal in the works was to drive her brother’s Beaumont when restored and “lay some rubber”!

Margaret was predeceased by her parents Bud & Yvonne Morken, her in-laws Sadie & Leo Prekaski, her brother-in-law Gerry Prekaski and her brother in infancy David Morken.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years Tom Prekaski, her siblings Richard (Mavis) Morken, Brian Morken (Shannon Booth) & Elizabeth (Dale) Prestie, nieces & nephews Blair Morken (Ella & Bradyn) , Ryan Morken, Austin Morken & Jacklyn Sveinbjornson (Leo & Renny), Adam Morken & Lacy Schultz, Brandon & Stacy Prestie (Zac, Amber & Chase), Ben & Leah Prestie (Will, Connor & Joey), Chance & Sam Prestie (Duncan), Kate Prestie & Alana Weber, Jeff & Nichole Jakubowski, the Prekaski families & many friends.

The poem Desiderata was hung on the wall in every home Margaret lived in. It encourages hope and inspiration for the world. It ends with the words “And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”

Much loved! It was a lovely cruise!