Marie was a client of ours at Handi Van and I looked forward to each time I got to give her a ride to her appointments. I enjoyed every moment I spent with Marie she always made me feel important to her and Steve. And made me feel like part of her family, we had some great conversations about life,and how it can be to short for so many of us. I will miss her dearly. With all that Marie has been through she always had a smile for you and asked me how my day was going, no matter what she always made me smile. Many prayers of strength to you Steve and her family. She is no longer suffering and is at home with the Lord.

Steve,Keith, and your families,Our deepest sympathy! Marie was such a good friend to us and our family. We will never forget all the good times we had together over the last 40 years. The camping trips, the trips to Texas, boating on the rivers and camping on the sand bars on the Mississippi. The memories going up north every summer for a week for vacations, we will always remember.Marie and Steve always took time to remember us on our hospital stays and recoveries at home, with many visits and many cards too. They always remembered  our children and grandchildren, and great grandson also. Marie was like a sister to us also, both such friends. FRIENDS ARE THE FAMILY WE CHOOSE FOR OURSELVES!!!!!     Love, Ken and Joyce Ingalls

Steve, Keith, Menton and Marilyn, and the rest of the family

My deepest sympathy of the passing of Marie.  I was a college friend from the days of Rochester Community College.  I had lost track of Marie for awhile until her folks when to Washington D.C. one spring.  There I got Marie's address again and we continued to write each other at Christmas time.  It was fun hearing of all the fun things that Steve, Keith, and later Keith's family did during the year and especially on their annual vacation adventures.  I know that Marie is looking down from heaven and saying, "all is good".  Again, my deepest sympathy.

Joyce (Meyer) Schwake

My deepest sympathy.  Mu thoughts and prayers are with you Keith and family.

I am saddened about Marie's passing. I cared for Marie several times at Methodist Hospital years ago.  She was such a caring, kind, and upbeat person--no matter what was going on with her.  She was always grateful for her care. She made a positive impact on my life.  She was a true gem.  My thoughts and prayers go to her family.

I am so sad to hear of Marie.  God has truly gained a beautiful angel!  Marie was always smiling, asking how our day was and offering help in any way she could.  She remained upbeat and strong and I have never in my life met such a courageous woman. I loved working next door to her while she worked at Planning and enjoyed lunches and spending time with her.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Rest in peace Marie.

Marilyn and Menton, my condolences on your loss.

Doc

I am going to miss our Saturday am talks, where we solved all the worlds problems. Words can not define what Marie was to all of us. She was sunshine, laughter and every thing good. I picture her running, free of all her physical restraints. Steve and Marcia, you have both set the bar high for every other husband and sister. If she could have been healed by pure determination from both of you she would have lived to be 100. God bless you both and know that you did absolutely every thing possible to save her. Remember the good and forget her pain. She is free.

So sorry to hear about Marie, I went to school with her. I remember spending fun times with Marie, I helped wait tables at her Wedding. Lorie (Jensen) Tuve

I cared for Marie over 25 years ago when I was in training at Mayo. She was very ill but very strong and determined to get better. She was always so greatful for her care and so brave despite scary and often painful health challenges. We always kept in touch with Christmas cards over the years and I was so sorry to hear of her death. She was a very courageous person. She faced the many health challenges over the years with a positive attitude and seemed to take such joy in her family and her life.  My condolances to her family and friends.

Our dearest Marie. You stand with Jesus now watching over all of us hear on earth. Your angel on earth, Julie, will miss her angel in heaven; but now she has a guardian angel watching over her. We will miss your laughter and friendship. You now have peace in Christ Jesus our Savior. Thank you for your friendship and love while you were here. Forever dear Marie. Julie and Mark Gilligan.

I was so sorry to read about Marie's death. Although I have not seen her for many years I spent some very special times with her when I was a junior and she was a senior at K-M. I remember her laughter and her wonderful sense of humor, she made me laugh and she would always tell me how funny I was. I have always held such fond memories of her from school. She was truly one of the kindest gentlest people I know, never a harsh word for anyone and smiled through so much. My heartfelt sympathy to you all, she will be missed. She is one of God's angels without a doubt! With sympathy, Kathy Hegna

We were so sorry to read of Marie"s passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you Steve and your son.  She was truly a smilely and upbeat lady.  I know she will be sadly missed by many friends and loved ones.  Jan &  Dave

Steve - So sorry to hear of your wife's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

As I lay me down to sleep, I know a special angel is watching over me. G'night Marie.

Oh Steve and Keith - I can not begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. My heart is weighing heavy. I remember when you first started dating her and she lived in that big white house with a few other girls. I remember our very first trip up North together shortly after that. Oh the memories - that is what we have now to sustain us. She has been through so much in her lifetime. May she Rest In Peace - spread your wings and fly high with the ANGELS Marie - you have blessed so many of us with your friendship.  Thank you for being the best Godmother ever to Angela!!!

Love Normajean

 Dear Steve, Keith, Marcia, Menton and Marilyn,

My most sincere condolences to you for your loss.  While it would be long periods of time between our visits, I have never forgotten what a wonderful classmate, roommate, and friend she was.  I always felt we could kind of pick up where we left off when we did actually see each other and that once Marie was a friend, she would remain a friend for life.  She didn't give up easily!  I still have fond memories of when we first became friends in junior high (sleepovers, etc.) and then all the fun we had adjusting to "adulthood" living in  Rochester.  It was fun too when I finally caught up a bit with technology and we communicated by email occasionally during the last several years.

Marie was an inspiration to all who knew her.  I too feel honored to have been called her friend.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time and as you adjust to life without Marie here on earth.

Till we meet again!

Marje Johnson Wataja 

Dearest Steve, Keith and family,

Words cannot express how much Marie will be missed. She was my confidante, my turn-to person, my best friend. We often compared Dr's notes - you had what done? What was the result of that? Did you see this Dr. or that Dr.? Oh yes, I liked him too. Who know their way around the clinic better? Did you have to go all the way over there for that test? Haha. How many pills are you taking now? We knew each other's Dr's and what each test meant. We were also in dialysis together watching Knots Landing. It was our favorite show.

I am glad that we had this whole "shared" experience, sooo many things in common. And through all of the years, Marie never complained to me. Not once. I did ALOT of complaining to her and she listened very patiently and always had the right words to say to me. She helped me so much and I would not be who I am today without all of her help.

She never missed my birthday or our anniversary. There was always that familar card in the mail with the friendliest words. She was the most thoughtful person I know. Even when I started crying in the hospital when I left from visiting you, she said, "Hang in there". Always thinking of everyone but herself.

Please know that if I can do anything for you, I am just a phone call away.  Warm memories will comfort us now until we meet Marie again. She is watching us and loving us from up above and saying "it's alright, I'm fine".

iKasson Senior Dining would like to express our deepest sympathies to you all

we served meals to Menton and his wife for several years and became good friends with them and Marvin

peace and comfort to your family during this sad time...our prayers are with you all

we also wish safe travel and good health to all

                                     Love.......mary iverson......site-manager

Steve and Keith.... Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  We were so saddened to hear about Marie.  She was such a kind, upbeat person.  It was truly a pleasure knowing her.  We hope time and your memories of all the wonderful years you had with her bring you strength and peace. 

Elmer and Renae

Keith,  My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. You are in my prayers.

What a FRIEND!  I will always treasure our friendship and value her upbeat personality.  She has been through so much and was so positive through it all.  Whenever I was down about something she would say to me “Be Happy”….and I know that she truly meant that.  She always worried about everyone else and how they were doing.

The last few months were hard on Marie.  With the end of her career she took that “to heart”….she was a dedicated employee.  She loved all of her co-workers and treasured their friendship.  She knew that it was time for her to enjoy an early retirement, but she just couldn’t fathom the thought of not seeing her co-workers each day.  I told her she would just have to schedule lunches and stay in contact.  She loved her Olmsted County Family.

One of our last conversations was an apology that she sent to me after her last hospital stay that she had forgotten so send my birthday card.  I said “Oh Marie, are you kidding me?  “Do not worry about my birthday card”……she was so sorry that she was not able to send one.  I can say that I have saved all of her cards through the years and I will get such comfort reading these cards again.

She was so proud of her family.  Steve she adored you…..and was she was so grateful for all the things that you did for her on a daily basis.  She also talked about your talent and craftsmanship on the home projects that you did.  She loved the yearly outings up North and spending that “family” time together.  And Keith she was so proud of you and your family and her grandchildren.  Her eyes lit up when she talked about everyone in her family.

May you rest in peace Marie, and continue to watch over all of the people that you LOVE…..I know you will because that was the WONDERFUL person that you were.  I already MISS you!  Fly high pretty ANGEL!

Steve and Family,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I hold such dear memories of Marie, thanks for sharing her with us. 

I loved the times we would take some a few vacation hours some afternoon and run away -- go to the River, where the sun glistened on the water and we slowly putted up to Lake Pepin.  We would smile and let work and the world issues pause for a little while.  On the way home we would go to Parrot Park in Alma and view the entire Mississippi River from the hilltops and then pause to watch the barge traffic go thru the locks.

We shared birthday meals at the Holiday Inn, Michaels, Hubbell House, the Chickadee, Carlos O'Kelly's, the Aviary and other moments of dear friendship.  Most recently last fall we tried the crepes at the Douglas Saloon.

You and she always welcomed us into your home.  She was so proud of your remodelling skills and talents.

May your wonderful memories help you through the next difficult months.

The Heart Has No Words But It Reaches Out To All Who Loved Marie.

Beautiful Angel That She Was.

Oh, Steve I was so saddened to read the notice in the paper tonight. I pray that God is holding you close to help with the pain!  I will try to get to the visitation or the funeral this weekend!

I am so sad to hear about Marie.  We worked together so many years ago at the Credit Bureau in Rochester. She was a good friend with a good heart who would do anything for anyone.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Marie was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed.  She was a great neighbor and I have many great memories of her.  My family and I would go over to their house for campfires, parties, and we would go out on the weekends to have dinner.  I would always receive a card on my birthday from her just to let me know she was thinking of me on my special day.  My prayers and thoughts are with Steve and her family through this difficult time.  Heaven has gained another angel.