Obit: Meissner, Marian Grace (1921 – 2016)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Meissner, Cole, Beilke, Hammer, Bender, Beaver, Krueger, Beckwith

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 26 Sep 2016

Meissner, Marian Grace (19 MAR 1921 – 21 SEP 2016)

MARIAN GRACE (COLE) MEISSNER, age 95, formerly of Chili, Casco, and Cassville among several other locations in Wisconsin, passed away at Pine Crest Village, in Sturgeon Bay, WI, on Wednesday, September 21, 2016. A memorial service is planned for late June 2017, at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Chili, WI. A graveside service is planned for the same time at Yolo Cemetery west of Chili.

Marian Grace (Cole) Meissner was born on March 19, 1921, in the Town of Fremont, rural Chili, WI, the daughter of Harry and Ernestina "Tina" (Beilke) Cole. She was raised on the family farm and educated at Heathville School, Purdy Junior High School, and Marshfield Senior High School, where she graduated in 1939. After graduation from high school, Marian attended Central State Teachers College in Stevens Point and became licensed as a teacher. She eventually completed 14 years as an elementary school teacher at rural schools in Clark County and an elementary school in Kewaunee.

Marian was united in marriage to Chester "Chet" Earl Meissner on April 28, 1945, at Immanuel Evangelical Church (now Immanuel United Methodist Church) in Chili, Wisconsin. Her husband's career, after leaving farming, as a teacher and district administrator eventuated in several changes of location: Chili, DeForest, Blanchardville, Richland Center, Blair, Markesan, Casco, Cassville, Madison—all in Wisconsin—and Burbank, CA. Her family and her faith were at the center of her life; Marian gave birth to five children from 1946 to 1953. She and her husband always found a church home in the communities where they resided. She was an excellent cook and homemaker. She also was an avid reader and bridge player. In retirement she enjoyed wintering in Texas and traveling internationally.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Chester in 2004; her brother, Glenn in 1960; her sister-in-law, Astyre (Hammer, Cole) Bender in 1989; and her brother, Donald in 2015. Marian is survived by her sister-in-law, Jeannette (Beaver) Cole of Marshfield, WI; five children: Ron (and Diann) Meissner of Lancaster, WI, Jim Meissner of Ashland, OR, Carol (and Rod) Krueger of Sturgeon Bay, WI, Cathy (and Wendell) Beckwith of St. George, UT, and Duane Meissner of Marshall, WI; by twelve grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.

Huehns Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sturgeon Bay, WI is assisting the Meissner family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.