Marion Ann Purchatzke's Obituary
Marion Ann Purchatzke, age 96, received her angel wings peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 4th. Marion was born on April 7, 1929 in Oshkosh, WI to Elda Borman and John Kope. She grew up in Hayes, WI. Later in her teenage years, she moved to Gibbs City, MI to live with her grandparents. While finishing up her high school education, she helped in the kitchen at a lumber camp where they resided. After finishing high school, she moved back to Wisconsin, where she met her future husband. In June of 1948 she married Loren, the love of her life in Gillette, WI. They moved to Appleton and together they raised four children. In 1954 she and Loren purchased land on Kusel Lake to bring family together and create lasting memories for years to come. Marion worked at AAL as an insurance underwriter, retiring in 1993. After retirement, she moved to the cottage in 1994 where she loved “watching the kids waterski, swim, dive and just have fun.” In her later years, she enjoyed traveling and continued to live vicariously through travel photos shared by her children and grandchildren. Marion had unconditional love for her family, friends, neighbors and church community. She was the kindest and most gentle, yet had a quick wit to her with a feisty spirit. She also gave the best hugs. Marion had a passion for quilting, even won awards at the State Fair this past year! One of the ways she shared her love was through food. Whether you were snacking on her famous pickles, deviled eggs, making a sandwich with her freshly baked bread or sitting down for a family meal, you’d know you were about to eat some delicious food prepared with her love. Oh, and don’t forget to have a fresh baked cookie. She touched the lives of so many and created a legacy built on a strong marriage of faith and unconditional love. Her words of wisdom for a marriage of 77 years were “work together, forgive, hold no grudges and smile”.
Marion is survived by her husband Loren Purchatzke. Three of her children - Richard Purchatzke, Gail (Scott) Duthie, Thomas (Deb) Purchatzke. Six grandchildren - Peter (Bridget Hadley) Purchatzke, Amy (Jeffrey) Freund, Michelle (Michael) Nelson, Teri (Christopher) Haring, Abigail (Tony) Bevis, Ian (Jessica) Duthie. Eight great-grandchildren, six step-great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Marion was preceded in death by her son Michael Purchatzke, parents Elda Matuzak and John Kope. Step-father Clifford Kruske, step-brother Don Kruske, grandmother Anna Borman and daughter-in-law Trixie Purchatzke.
We grieve her passing because SHE LOVED. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted”. ~Matthew 5:4
A funeral service will be held on Thursday March 12, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Holly Funeral Home in Wild Rose, WI. A visitation will be held on Thursday March 12, 2026 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at the Holly Funeral Home in Wild Rose, WI.
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