Marjorie Welsher

Marge’s journey began on January 27, 1925. Her proud parents were Emil & Natalie Patzer. She was a true Sand Rabbit, being born in a small house down by Silver Beach. She grew up at 709 Lake Street with 5 brothers and 2 sisters. While attending a dance in Baroda with her sisters, she met the love of her life, Bill Welsher, who was playing cornet in the band. He gave her a ride home and their beautiful love story spanned 61 years. She and Bill loved to dance.  You could find them dancing at wedding receptions and even at home. They were blessed with six children, and Marge was very proud of her family. She loved telling people of her three generations of kids. She had two children, and then nine years later three more children followed by another nine years and then one more.  She instilled in each of them the importance of strong family ties. Her love for them is the glue that holds them together. There are so many wonderful memories of being together as a family.  Celebrating birthdays and holidays including New Year’s Eve, which Bill and Marge hosted, that were fun filled and included the rule that if you came you spend the night. The house would be filled to the brim with family with a big breakfast the next morning and watching old 35mm films as a family the next day. Marge had a great love for children.  She enjoyed having her grandchildren over and they loved visiting her.  Everyone wore “froggy” the bib and had chicken patty sandwiches. Marge had a very warm heart and welcomed all into her home. Marge also enjoyed the outdoors, spending time on the lake and fishing on their boat Mar-Gee. She also enjoyed working outside in her garden with all of her beautiful flowers. She was a wonderful artist who painted beautiful pictures with both oil and watercolor. Marge’s journey ended on November 21, 2015 peacefully at home. Marge is survived by her children Judy (David) Bischoff, Kathy Thornton, Randy (Julia) Welsher, Cindy (Hans) Ivy, Becky (Bob) Boes. She also is survived by nine grandchildren Wayne Welsher, Debbie (Dave) Mueller, Chris (Scott) Knapp, Carolyn (Tim) Holly, Shelley Thornton, Jennifer Thornton, Matt (Jessica) Welsher, Jon Ivy and Evan Boes, nine great-grand children Zachary Welsher, Timothy Holly, Ryan Holly, Sarah Thornton, Mike Cooke, Colton Baggett, Gage Slocum, Grayson Welsher and Avery Welsher, and 3 great-great grandchildren Aurora LaFond, Bryleigh Holly and Nahla LaFond, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Lydia Schneider, Richard Patzer, Elsie Wentland, Oscar Patzer, Wally Patzer, Hank Patzer and Elmer Patzer, her husband Bill in 2002, her son Ken in 2007, daughter-in-law Shirley in 1981 and son-in-law Bob Thornton in 2014. She will be truly missed, but kept alive in the hearts of those who loved her. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at 11 AM at Starks and Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, officiated by Pastor Michael Roth. Burial will follow at Lincoln Township Cemetery in Stevensville. Friends may visit on Monday, November 23, 2015 from 4 PM until 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice at Home or Trinity Lutheran Church.  Those wishing to leave an online condolence for Marge may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.