Marion M. Beebe

After having to say good-bye to so many loved ones and close friends, Marion Beebe joined the glorious reunion in heaven on Nov. 12, 2012. After spending 90 years worrying about her family, fussing over her friends and neighbors, and praying for the best for everyone she knew and didnt know, Marion decided it was time to rest.

Marion Mae Siegel Beebe was born on Feb. 6, 1922, in Fort Atkinson, the daughter of Marvin and Hulda (Florine) Seigel. She was a 1939 graduate of Fort Atkinson High School. On Aug. 13, 1943, Marion married Benton B. Beebe at Camp Campbell, KY, where he was stationed in the Air Force.

Benny retired from the Wisconsin Electric Power Co. in 1982, and he and Marion spent the rest of their lives together on a grand adventure. They traveled extensively, played golf all over Wisconsin, and doted over their grandchildren and, eventually, great-grandchildren, following them to college, drum corps events, and whatever else they were involved in.

Once, leaving New Orleans and not ready to go home, they just turned left to discover what might be around the corner. Another oft-repeated story about the couple, who became fondly known as the Bickersons, was how they would leave Fort Atkinson for Florida by car and then decide to spend the night in Beloit or Janesville because they just found so much to do together every step they took or mile they drove.

Marions life was all about family, her church, friends, and her community. She was born, baptized, nurtured, and comforted by Friedens Evangelical Reformed Church (later Friedens United Church of Christ) and the people who worshipped there. She cooked meals, taught Sunday school, helped with the Mother-Daughter Banquet, and anything else that needed doing. When Friedens was closed she joined Shalom Presbyterian Church, although her heart was always at Friedens.

During World War II, while her husband was serving in the Air Force, Marion was a Candy Stiper. She also served as a Girl Scout leader, and worked at Moe Light. With Benny, she was a proud member of the Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and a longtime volunteer wherever she was needed.

Those who knew her also remember Marion as an avid fan of the Green Packers and a proud owner of an eight-foot tall cut-out of Brett Favre.

When God put Marion on the ship to heaven, there were a host of folks on the near shore lined up to wave good-bye. On the far shore waving hello and welcoming her home, however, were many more people, including a host of friends and relatives.

On that near shore are son Tom (Cynthia) Beebe, Fort Atkinson, and daughter Kris, also of Fort Atkinson; two grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Punzel, Fort Atkinson, and T.J. (Becky) Beebe, Madison; three great-grandchildren and the loves of her life, Ethan Michael and Michaela Josephine Punzel and the familys miracle baby Oscar Thomas Beebe; sister-in-law Sherry Siegel; two nieces, Susan (Robert) Buell and Pam (Charlie) Keene; and three nephews, Wade (Shellie), Ronald (Carol) Siegel, and Terry (Carol Riddell) Siegel; as well as a host of great-nieces and nephews.

Those who loved her deeply also included Dave and Lois Bielefeldt; Dave and Gail Seavert; Cheryl and Peter Olson; Marian Emrick; Bev Pieritz; Luke and Lori Bocher and family; and Lisa Beck, Diane Saxe and Bev Killian.

The welcoming party over the horizon consists of too many people to name them all. She was preceded to heaven by her beloved husband of 64 years, Ben; her parents; two brothers, Ray and Jerry; brother- and sister-in-law, Wilson and Elaine Beebe; and scores of other friends and relatives.

The couple with the broadest smiles will be Marion and Bens best friends, John Curly and Marian Misfeldt. Having shared everything for over 50 years, it is easy to imagine that they will share the joys of eternity together. The whole Misfeldt clan stayed close to Marion over the years, including Jeff (Judy) of Madison; Debbie (Terry) Lueder, Madison; and Greg of Fort Atkinson.

You can tell how loved you are in life by the care and concern you receive at the end of your journey. If that is true, Marion Beebe was a well-loved woman. The entire family wants to recognize the friendship, concern, and love of too many people to name them all and not forget someone. That said, the family does want to say thank you to not only her doctor but her friend Rachel Quinn; everybody at Visiting Angels, but especially Rose Otis, Barb Orvold, and Jane Moorland; the staff at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital; and Marions second family at Fairhaven Senior Services (she would be appalled that I havent named them but I would be crushed if I forgot any of the residents and staff . besides, you know who you are and the wonderful work you do each and every day).

They say that behind every great man there is a great woman. Those who knew Marion and Ben Beebe know how true that is. He was the best-according to his obituary, a good and gentle man-but she was the loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, neighbor, and child of God. She made sure Ben and those she knew and loved were the best they could be .

A celebration of Marions life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at her new home, Fairhaven Senior Services, 435 West Starin Road, Whitewater, the Rev. Delisa Buckingham-Taylor officiating. A luncheon will follow at Fairhaven. Interment of cremains will be at a later date in Cold Spring Cemetery.

If desired, memorials may be made to the family.

The Dunlap Memorial Home is assisting the family.

www.dunlapmemorialhome.com

.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marion M. Beebe, please visit our floral store.