Marilyn peacefully passed on April 8th, 2026 surrounded by her family. Her favourite music played and her children shared homemade goodies as they celebrated the incredible woman that was their mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, daughter, and life partner.

Marilyn Risling was born May 8th, 1955 to Edward and Helen Risling. She grew up on the family farm outside Revenue, Saskatchewan with her two younger brothers, Richard and Mervin. She attended elementary and high school in Tramping Lake. Marilyn was a well rounded student, excelling in all sports and earning honour roll grades.

Her passion was music, and that carried on through her whole life. She was a gifted organ and piano player, and was very adept at reading sheet music. Her skill and talent was often enjoyed in many venues as she would play for choirs, school events for her children, weddings, and other celebrations as well being the organist at their local church.

She, like many in her family, enjoyed curling. Marilyn played in various local leagues and became a certified coach while her kids were in school so she could coach the junior levels they were a part of.

She enjoyed almost all sports, and in later years, she joined her partner Rock in being an ardent CFL fan, watching every game of her beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders and most of the other games in the league. This year her hospital visits were made more tolerable thanks to the Winter Olympics coverage. She got to enjoy watching any and all televised events without guilt as she was resting on doctors orders.

Gardening was one of Marilyn’s favourite hobbies. Marilyn and her mom Helen dedicated their entire front yards to growing and harvesting delicious vegetables. Their love of flowers took the two of them on many trips to all the local greenhouses.

Marilyn was known for making a fabulous meal out of the simplest ingredients, and her instant pot stews and soups were especially legendary. Coming home for your birthday was always a special treat as it was guaranteed you would be blowing out candles on one of her specially decorated cakes.

Marilyn has four children who kept her busy with family activities, phone calls, visits, and trips abroad. She has been fortunate in the last few years to have all 4 children within 2 hours of home. The arrival of grandchildren brought new joy and the magic of social media meant she could be a part of their lives nearly daily.

Marilyn worked in the insurance industry most of her life and loved the interaction with her clients, only finally retiring in June of 2025. She will be remembered fondly by coworkers and customers alike for her easy smile, perfect fingernails, and going the extra mile to assist in even the most complex situations.

Marilyn was a competitive person, whether it was sports, family game nights with Crokinole, or cards. Her best friends Shelley and Chris indulged that competitive streak and they had regular game nights during their long time friendship. Shelley and Marilyn worked together during the day, chatted daily, and had many vicious games of Stock Ticker and Mexican Train long into the evening.

Marilyn enjoyed vacations with her kids, but no matter where she roamed, she truly believed there was no place like home. Her beautiful river valley residence was her happy place, and her garden was her pride and joy.

Left to cherish Marilyn’s memory are her partner Rock Bischler, daughter Tanya and son in law Chet, son Brennan and daughter in law Hong along with grandsons Mark and Matthias, daughter Lonni, and son Blake. She is also survived by her parents Edward and Helen Risling, brothers Richard (Bonnie) and Mervin (Karen), along with 6 much loved nieces and nephews and their children.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the care staff of Battleford Union Hospital and Royal University Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be arranged at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks you to consider donations to:

The BDCC Resident Council of the Battleford Regional Care-Music Therapy Fund or Gardening Fund. Please mention it is in memory of Marilyn Risling for funding the music therapy program or gardening program. E-transfer to bdccresident@gmail.com, drop off at the BDCC admin or mail to BDCC Rec. Dept, Box 69, Battleford, SK, S0M 0E0

Donate to the Canadian Cancer Society virtual fundraising marathon which Marilyn’s son Blake is participating in. https://fundraisemyway.cancer.ca/participants/54045

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honoured to be entrusted with Marilyn Risling's care and arrangements.