MARJORIE E. THOELKE
The memorial service for Marjorie E. Thoelke will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 11, 2023 at First Lutheran Church of Britton. Dr. Lance Griese will officiate the service. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
Marjorie Ellen Stamp was born, along with her twin brother, on August 28, 1929 to George and Lucille (Null) Stamp in Hendricks, MN. She grew up in Brookings County, SD . She attended rural grade school for 8 grades and graduated from White High School in 1947. Following graduation she attended summer school at Gen Beadle State Teachers College and received a 2 year teacher’s certificate, which was done during those years after WWII because they didn’t have enough teachers. She taught at a rural school for 2 years.
In 1948 she married Bryce Thoelke of White, SD. They made their home in White. In 1952 their first child, Kent, was born. In 1958 they moved to Olivia, MN where they purchased a grocery store. After a few years they sold and her husband went into management for Gamble Robinson and VSC, where she worked with her husband in the business. In 1957 their second child, Pam, was born in Willmar, MN where they were living at that time.
In 1959 they moved to Plymouth, MN where her husband’s work was, with their 2 children. During those few years she was a stay at home mom. In 1962 they jointly bought a super market, Bolstad and Thoelke, in Paynesville, MN. From then on she worked in all of the businesses throughout the years. Another child, Greg, was added to the family in Paynesville in 1967 – 15 years after his brother and 10 years after his sister.
Many happy years and friendships were made as the children were growing up in Paynesville. Marge had a very busy life there helping run a business and being active in the community. After 10 years they dissolved the partnership and sold the business.
In 1972 they bought Wilgers Dept. Store in Britton, SD. Marge worked full time and did most of the buying for the store. In 1987 the store was sold out and they retired. She also substitute taught for 20 years in Britton, and worked 7 years for Prairie Design. In 1994 she began working at Quarve Drug and loved that job so much that she continued to work ½ days until recently when her health declined.
Community involvement was a big part of Marge’s life and that is apparent with her organizations she was part of throughout the years. While in Paynesville she was a chairman of church school EUB and also the Hospital Auxiliary. She started the Literary Council in Britton and also served on the Britton Library Board and HRC Board. Marge was one of the ten original members of the Britton Claremont Investment Club. After retirement she volunteered at the Britton Public School. Her faith was strong and she had taught Sunday School since she was 16 and was a member on the Britton United Methodist Church. Bryce was a veteran and she was a member of theAmerican Legion Auxiliary.
Marge loved the outdoors and nature. She was an avid gardener, reader and an accomplished artist. When she wasn’t doing that, you could find her baking or cooking for family and friends. She was a people person and loved everyone, and will be deeply missed.
She passed away Thursday, November 16, 2023 at her home in Britton at the age of 94.
Marge is survived by her sons, Kent (Deb) Thoelke of Britton and Greg (Terry) Thoelke of Britton; her daughter, Pam (Randall) Muth of Australia; brothers Warren (Gay) Stamp of Vancouver, WA; sister-in-law, Dorothy Stamp of Vancouver, WA; 5 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Bryce; her parents, George and Lucille Stamp; twin brother, Maurice Stamp; brother, Richard (Lila) Stamp; granddaughter, April Jackson; and in-laws, John and Ester Thoelke.
Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Kent Thoelke – 1408 1st St. – Britton, SD 57430.
An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. pricefuneralchapel.net.