Mandi Marchek
Larry Wolfe
Originally from Boardman, Ore., a small town on the Columbia River near the Oregon-Washington border, Mandi Marchek graduated from Kennewick (WA) High School where she played basketball, softball and volleyball for the Lions. She was good enough at softball to be offered a scholarship at Marquette University in Milwaukee, but she decided to turn it down to stay closer to home. She went to Warner Pacific University in the heart of Portland instead. Warner Pacific didn’t have a softball team, but she did play volleyball for the Knights. She graduated with degrees in Biology and Exercise Physiology with the intent of pursuing a career as a physical therapist.
Mandi began working part-time for Kaiser Permanente while she was still in college. Little did she know that she was starting a 26-year career with that company. Kaiser Permanente is the largest non–profit integrated managed care company in the nation, focusing on preventive care. Unlike traditional insurance companies, Kaiser combines coverage and care delivery where doctors, hospitals, labs and pharmacies are connected. Mandi began in laboratory imaging (think MRIs, X-rays and CT scans), but transitioned into management over time, becoming a Senior Administrator. She says that her job was all-consuming, so when she had the opportunity to retire early at age 49 in October 2024, she took it!
After retiring, Mandi and her wife Traci, knew they wanted to move somewhere warmer and less rainy than Portland. They considered Puerto Vallarta, where Mandi’s father lives, and gave it a three-month trial period, but ultimately decided on Arizona. They first rented a place in Chandler for a few months while they surveyed the area. They ultimately bought a house in Oakwood in June 2025 and, after significant renovations, moved into their new home in August. They’re now full-fledged Sun Lakers and starting to get involved. They’re both members of our Lady Sluggers team and are volunteering as drivers for Neighbors Who Care.
Mandi played on softball teams for many years in Portland but took a hiatus for a few years prior to her retirement. She’s now back into it “big time”. In addition to playing with the Sluggers and leading the team with a .804 average, she plays on a tournament travel team and a Chandler team at Snedigar Park. A recent highlight was an “over the fence” home run at the Field of Dreams, a first for any lady player, slugger or opponent!
Mandi and Traci enjoy traveling and list trips to Bora Bora and the Cook Islands among their favorite experiences. They’ve also been to many vacation spots in Mexico. Now that they’re retired, travel to Europe is on their wish list. Slovenia is near the top of the list since that’s where the Marchek family roots are.
So, what’s next? Mandi says she’s been “dabbling” in pickleball and considering getting back into golfing. Then there’s rock painting and re-learning to play her guitar. It doesn’t look as if keeping busy in retirement will be an issue!