Marjorie Renneke

Obituary

Marjorie Elizabeth (Eckberg) Renneke was born on April 7, 1928, in St. Peter, Minnesota. Parents were Raymond and Hilda (Anderson) Eckberg of New Sweden.

Growing up in New Sweden, Marjorie attended Scandian Grove Lutheran Church, being baptized and confirmed there. As an adult, she was a Sunday School teacher and served as the church organist and choir director for many years. Her most special church memories were with the adult Bible study group, the "90 & 9".

Marjorie attended District 6 Country School in New Sweden through the 8th grade. She valued all the lessons she learned in a one-room schoolhouse and had so many fond memories of classmates, families and teachers.

For grades 9-12, Marjorie attended Gaylord High School where she excelled in academics, music and typing, (taught by Miss Nash/Ruth Mueller). She graduated in 1946 as the Salutatorian. That summer, Marjorie moved to downtown Minneapolis to work at Dayton's Department Store, eventually working as a secretary to Mr. Hultgren, one of the vice presidents, a "very kind" man. During her five years in Minneapolis, Marjorie received organ lessons at MacPhail Music School. During the week, she stayed at Mabeth Paige Hall for professional women and with her aunt and uncle. On weekends, she took the train home to spend time with her first love, Earl.

Marjorie married her high school Sweetheart, Earl Renneke, at Scandian Grove on June 22, 1951. Marjorie left her job at Dayton’s to become a full-time partner on their farm in Kelso Township, Sibley County.

Theirs was a 70-year Love Story of devotion to each other and to their Family.

Earl and Marjorie had three daughters, Rochelle, Lynnette and Kristin. The girls have so many wonderful memories of Mom and Dad on the farm.

Earl and Marjorie had a special place in their hearts for their grandchildren and great grandchildren. They made every effort to attend an athletic event, a play, a concert or activity. They were ALWAYS there for Family!!

Marjorie lived out her faith by serving her family, her church and her community. Her family has special memories of her playing the organ, both at home and in church. She especially loved accompanying the congregation and choir as they sang the Gospel-filled hymns. Marjorie played the organ and piano for over 85 years, even playing for the residents in the local care facilities in her later years.

Her brother, Garfield Eckberg, shared a special memory of his oldest sister. In her early years on the farm, Marjorie regularly drove the family’s 1935 John Deere “B” to plant and harvest. Garfield shared that she could cut a 90° corner with the grain binder, a difficult feat!  She also milked the cows by hand and did other chores around the farm. She learned to be a wonderful cook from her mother, Hilda, and acquired the love of music from her aunt, Christine.

The family of Marjorie expresses heartfelt thanks to St. Croix Hospice and Oak Terrace Senior Living of Le Sueur for their compassionate care and for honoring Mom in every way!! God Bless You All!

Marjorie is survived by her:
Children, Rochelle (Pat Hamiton) Renneke of Bouse, AZ, Lynnette (Don Wiest) Renneke Wiest of Le Sueur and Kristin (Ron) Morrill of Le Sueur;
Grandchildren, Kathryn (Sam) Kjellesvig, Elizabeth (Adam) Hahn, Trevor Wiest, Dan Morrill, Jordan (Carina) Wiest and Steven Morrill;
Great Grandchildren, Stephanie, Alicia and Hailey Hahn, Colton Morrill, Astrid and Baby (due in Sept.) Kjellesvig and Eva Charlotte Wiest;
Brother, Garfield Eckberg and sister-in-law Beatrice Renneke;
Many Nieces and Nephews.

Marjorie is preceded in death by her beloved Husband, Earl; Parents, Raymond & Hilda Eckberg; Sister and Brother-in-law, Marilyn (Richard) Larson; Sister-in-law, Marjorie Eckberg; Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Davis (Mayme) Renneke, Clella (Ray) Franke, Wyman (Flora) Renneke, Harry Renneke, James Renneke and infant brother Douglas Renneke; Grandson, Joshua Morrill; and Great Grandson, Soren Kjellesvig.