Marjorie Marshman

MADISON - Marjorie Z. Marshman, age 100, of Madison, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022, at the VA Hospital. She was born on Sept. 28, 1922, in Bayard, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas and Anna (Taylor) Marshman.

Marjorie proudly enlisted in the U.S. Marines on Feb. 13, 1943, and officially started on Dec. 3, 1943. After her discharge in February of 1946, she moved to Madison where she started working for the State of Wisconsin for the Public Welfare Department and later for the UW-School of Nursing.

Having grown up in the Great Depression, Marge had a strong commitment to hard work and compassion for others. Volunteering and helping others to the best of her ability was a theme throughout her life. After 39 years of service with the State, she retired in 1985, but she remained highly active throughout her long life. She was deeply committed to volunteer work, most often for veterans.

After her retirement, she served as chaplain and adjutant for American Legion Post 501 in Madison, and she later served as Post Commander of American legion Post 534. In addition, she was a member of the Marine Corps Association, Marine Corps League, Women Marines Association, United Women Veterans and the Women in Service for America Memorial. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, the Madison Veterans Council, Dane County Veterans Service Commission, AMVETS and Pearl Harbor Association, and she was the first woman to volunteer with the Madison Firing Squad. Dedicated to the Honor Guard rain or shine, she performed hundreds upon hundreds of military funeral rites to honor veterans who had passed and their families.

Marge also volunteered at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, where she accumulated 9,524 hours over 30 years. In 2009, she received the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs woman veteran of the year award.

She enjoyed a life rich with colleagues and many friends; she was a true and loyal friend. When she wasn’t working, Marge enjoyed bowling, music, including an organ she learned to play, and time with friends and family. She would frequently travel from Madison back to Des Moines, Iowa, visiting her siblings and their children and families. She spent her adult life in Madison but remained a stout Hawkeyes fan, sometimes to the chagrin of her Madisonian family. She was also very proud of her Irish heritage, loving all things Celtic and enjoying a long-awaited trip to Ireland in her retirement.

Wanting to live to be 100, she did so, having turned 100 years old Sept. 28, 2022. A celebration was held for her with friends, nieces, and nephew present. At this birthday party, she was honored by the Governor of Wisconsin for her longstanding service, a World War II marine. Her service to the Marines was a lifelong cherished accomplishment and she remained thrilled and proud of any young adult entering military service.

Marjorie is survived by a multitude of nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and eight brothers and sisters.

A graveside service will be held at HIGHLAND MEMORY GARDENS, 3054 Highway BB, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, with military rites being conducted. A celebration of Marge’s life will follow at the VFW POST 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, from 12 noon until 3 p.m. on Thursday.

A special thank you to Tom and Ellen Uebersetzig for all of their care and support given to Marge in her final years. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420