(nee Yoder) passed away Saturday, Feb 4, peacefully at Matthews St Francis. We rejoice that she and her beloved husband Bruce are together again, and are now enjoying cocktails and dancing the night away. Her thoughts and words are clear again, free of the dementia. Her arthritis is gone, no longer causing her such pain and agony. She no longer has to endure repeated doctor visits, hospitalizations, or all the poking and prodding that those both entail. And her heart is full of love and life again, no longer affected by heart disease!
Born in Gary, IN, on April 6, 1934, Marge moved to the Milwaukee area when 9 years old, and graduated from Rufus King High School. While a member of Delta Zeta sorority at Carroll College (now University), her sorority sister Doris took her home for the weekend to Germantown – where Marge met the love of her life, her reason for her existence, the one that she loved constantly and undisputedly, Bruce. They were married 10 days after Marge graduated from college, on June 22, 1957.
Throughout her life, Marge lived her faith through her actions – serving as a Ruling Elder, Deacon, Youth Group Advisor and Sunday school teacher at Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church, volunteering for the Milwaukee Chapter of the Urban League, and later as Guardian of Bethel # 9, International Order of Job’s Daughters for many years. But throughout it all, she felt a calling that though she tried, she could not completely ignore. She enrolled at St Francis Seminary, and graduated in May, 1995, with her Masters in Pastoral Care. She then lived her faith through her ministry of chaplain at Milwaukee, Wisconsin's St. Joseph, Elmbrook, St. Michael, and St. Francis hospitals. Her real love was chaplaincy with elders at Marian Franciscan Center, the Terrace at St. Francis, Marian Catholic Home, and Franciscan Woods. She was a pioneer in the hospice services of Covenant. No matter the hour of the day or night Marge responded to each chaplain call with love, respect, and compassion.
Marge loved to travel – the world! During her 82+ years, she traveled to Hawaii (in 1968, before it was easy!), Mexico, multiple cruises, Germany, England, Egypt, and Israel, among other destinations. Also bringing her and Bruce great joy was entertaining – which often included martinis and manhattans – or so we were told! Marge is also past president of Chapter BH, PEO, in Wisconsin.
Marge was preceded in death by her parents (Laurel and Margaret Yoder), her husband, Bruce, and niece, Debbie. She is survived by her two daughters, Laurel (Dan) Hildebrand Hamilton and Lise (Paul) Hildebrand Stern, her grandson Eric (Christina) Hamilton, and her great-grandson Gavin. Also survived by niece Stacy (Margit) Teller, nephews Andy (Rebecca) Teller, and Scott Hildebrand, and great-niece Sadie Beacham.
We rejoice that in life and in death we belong to God.Visitation Thursday, Feb 16 at Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church, 4-7p, memorial service at 7, located at 2366 N 80th Street, Wauwatosa, WI. In lieu of flowers, please consider a Memorial Gift to Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church’s Pastoral Discretionary Fund.
