Marjorie Jean Beer

MADISON - Marjorie Jean “Marge” (nee Radtke) Beer, 90, died on Wednesday evening, Sept. 13, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wis., with family at her side after a brief illness.

The daughter of a German immigrant father, Marge was born on Oct. 16, 1932, in Dodgeville, Wis., to the late Ernest and Mary Lylith (Gedye) Radtke. She spent her childhood on their Mineral Point farm, where she attended a one-room school. She later attended parochial school and graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1950, where she was homecoming queen.

Marge moved to Madison and worked for Madison Gas & Electric and CUNA Mutual Insurance. She met Newlyn “Toby” Knutson when he came to her door on Regent Street selling WearEver pots and pans, and they married on the coldest day of the winter in Madison on Jan. 31, 1959. Following their move to West Allis, they welcomed their daughter Kathleen in 1961 and later returned to Madison. Toby preceded her in death on Dec. 5, 1985.

Marge resided in Stoughton from 1966 to 1978 and attended St. Ann Catholic Church. She returned to work at CUNA Mutual Insurance while working a second job as a waitress at area country clubs to support her daughter. Together they enjoyed living near Lake Kegonsa. She loved to sing and play her piano and attended every musical performance of her daughter’s childhood.

In 1988, Marge met Derald “Derry” Beer during a golf outing, and they married on Nov. 25, 1989; she retired shortly after that from CUNA as an insurance underwriter. They lived briefly in Morrison, Ill., before settling in nearby Sterling on the same block as Derry’s son Jeff and his family.

From an early age, Marge attracted friends with her warm yet modest demeanor and classic style. Those who knew her sought her steady, even-tempered friendship, which manifested her peacekeeper’s sensibility. She did not like to make waves. (She did, however, love to make salads and bake treats, both of which she could be counted on to bring to gatherings.)

Marge’s popularity endured into her retirement years, including among her friend group the Round Toits. She and Derry also led an active social life together. They enjoyed golfing at Rock River Country Club, shopping in the Quad Cities, and traveling across the U.S. to his military veterans’ gatherings. Derry preceded her in death on Nov. 5, 2013.

Following Derry’s death in 2013, she moved to All Saints Neighborhood independent living, where Marge once again shared her reserved yet inclusive kindness, often inviting new residents for coffee or a meal during their first weeks so they could have a friend. She quickly emerged as a leader among the community. She organized activities and served as president of the resident association. Indeed, when asked by her daughter which friends should be informed her illness had advanced, she replied, “Hmmm…there’re so many.”

Marge’s friends and family marveled at her longevity and good health, which she achieved through her disciplined dedication to staying mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually fit. As the matriarch, she kept up with the latest news of her extended family (and her Packers and Badgers.) She shopped online. She navigated technology with ease. She drove herself to appointments. And ever the frugal woman, she was still balancing her checkbook to the penny, even while in hospital care.

She also inspired those younger than she with her golfing into her 80s and evading the deadly coronavirus during the pandemic. Marge committed herself to intermittent fasting and numerous exercise classes, and often bested her neighbors at Wii Sports bowling and Euchre. She also enjoyed socializing with her friends in All Saint’s Good Times group and book club.

Marge’s devout Catholic faith sustained her and gave her purpose. She prayed daily and attended masses weekly, just as she had at St. Ann’s parish while living in Stoughton, Wis., and St. Mary’s parish in Sterling, Ill., where she also sang in the choir. Her lifelong faith provided her peace, knowing she was going to Heaven.

Marge is survived by her daughter Kathleen Knutson (Gregory Gaie), Green Bay; stepdaughter Becki (Mark) Hermes, Sterling, Ill.; stepson Jeff (Stacey) Beer, Sterling, Ill.; two grandsons Malcolm Knutson-Gaie and Dexter Knutson-Gaie; two great-grandsons Xavier Knutson-Gaie and Josiah Dennis; three step-grandchildren Kaitlin (Hermes) Koskelowski, Ryan Hermes and Kyle Beer; nine nieces and nephews; 20 great-nieces and nephews; 33 great-great-nieces and nephews; and one great-great-great nephew.

She was also preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Mary Lylith (Gedye) Radtke; brother William Radtke; sister Sr. Irene Radtke; sister-in-law Betty Radtke; brother-in-law John Knutson; sister-in-law Mary Ann Knutson; niece Kristine (Knutson) Haller; nephew Thomas Knutson; step-grandson Kaden Beer; and family friend Sr. Jacinta Elmandorf.

Friends may call at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Avenue, Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28. Her daughter will deliver a eulogy at 6 p.m. The family invites guests to wear floral attire in honor of Marge’s love of flowers. Visitation at 10 a.m. will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at SS. MARY AND PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 224 Davis St., Mineral Point, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, with Father Tafadzwa Kushamba presiding. Burial will take place at St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery, Mineral Point.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made toward a decorative patio feature at All Saints Neighborhood, where Marge led the garden club during her final years.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the nursing staff at St. Mary’s Hospital fourth-floor SW surgical wing for their extraordinary care. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761