Marie M. Lorge, age 92, of Clintonville, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at Rennes Health & Rehab Center, Appleton.
Marie Margaret Pelky was born on February 12, 1924, in Ewen, Michigan, the daughter of the late Helen (Kelpinski) and Isaac Pelky. Marie spoke of many fond memories of life lived on the farm in Bear Creek with her dear Aunt Josephine and her treasured dog, Fannie, who so efficiently helped round up the cows at her command.
Marie tied as Salutatorian in her high school graduation year, but settled for third in her class since she was engaged to be married with no plans for college. She was awarded a Daughter of the American Revolution medal for her patriotism and she particularly liked learning about Abraham Lincoln whose birthday she shared.
Marie met and later married Kenneth W. Lorge on Thanksgiving Day, November 20, 1941 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bear Creek. The married couple farmed near Bear Creek before relocating to Shawano, and in 1962 moved to Clintonville where they purchased the old St. Rose Convent for $1.00 and moved it on an acre of land with 9 children still at home. This is where they lived the rest of their life together.
Marie was a faithful member of St. Rose and St. Mary Catholic Churches. Together with Kenneth, they raised 11 children. She worked at Hanson Glove Factory in Clintonville, but most of her life was a loving homemaker who made the most amazing crusty bread and biscuits. She could make a delicious meal out of the most basic ingredients. Marie’s hobbies included sewing beautiful patchwork quilts, fishing, reading, recipes for home remedies, and she was a successful “matchmaker”. Cherry picking in Door County, gardening, canning and making hand-tied Christmas wreaths were seasonal staples in the household. Marie had an unceasing devotion to the Catholic faith, the Blessed Mother and the miracle at Fatima. Her Christian example was her legacy.
Survivors include four daughters: Mary Theresa Rew of Menasha, Wyoma Jean Clark of Shawano, Lucille (Harlan) Schneidewend of Neenah, and Kathleen (Steven) Kettenhoven of Clintonville. She is also survived by six sons: David (Lily) Lorge of Clintonville, Daniel Lorge of Clintonville, Dennis (Margie) Lorge of Clintonville, Dewey (Susan) Lorge of Neenah, Joseph (Nancy Bricco-Happle) Lorge of Mt. Juliet, TN, and Kenneth “Ike” (Armandina) Lorge Jr. of Clintonville, 43 grandchildren, and dozens of great-grandchildren.
Marie was preceded in death by husband Kenneth, a son Vernon, infant LaVerne, daughter-in-law Candy (Daniel’s wife), her parents and brother Floyd (her only sibling), and granddaughters Mary Ellen and Angela.
Funeral services will be held Monday, November 21, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 301 W. Tielky St., Bear Creek. Bishop Robert Morneau will officiate and interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, and on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of mass at the church.
