A woman of beauty and grace, Marjorie Lee Jenny Cooper Kegel, 94, of Miles City Montana, died February 14, 2013. She was born to Frank and Anna Shogren Cooper on February 12, 1919, at Silver Brook Farm in Willow Creek, Montana. She was one of 9 children. Her father always said she was his “lucky charm”, because her birth brought the first profit his farm had ever made.
Marjorie was a very talented musician, playing piano by ear for school and church functions while she attended Willow Creek Schools. In 1936, she was voted Prom Queen as she was well adored by her friends. After high school, she attended Montana State College in Bozeman, obtaining her teaching credentials. She taught school in the small towns of Belgrade, Marsh, and Three Forks, Montana.
In 1942 she moved to Vancouver, Washington, where she worked for Kaiser Ship Builders, designing “baby flattops” for the war effort. It was this position that inspired her to enlist in the US Navy. She was stationed in Washington, DC, where she drew maps showing where the US fleet was during WWII. She said the Navy was a lot of fun!
In 1948, she moved to Cody, Wyoming, where she worked for the Bureau of Reclamation at Hart Mountain. It was while working here that she ventured to Miles City to see her sister, Betty, and met Arthur Kegel, an Agricultural Extension Agent just out of the US Army. They were married October 5, 1948. Into this union were born three children: Arlene, and twins Charles Brent and Brenda Ann.
Many will remember Marjorie as a kind and loving first grade teacher in Miles City, a position she held for over 30 years. She loved the children she taught as though they were her own, and they loved her in return. Her greatest accomplishment was teaching the little kids how to read. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a teacher’s honorary, and a member of the NEA. She was also a life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church and made many long-standing friends in her Deborah Circle.
In retirement, Arthur and Marjorie traveled the world and also enjoyed time at their vacation home in Coeurd’Alene, Idaho, where they enjoyed many close friends and family. It was in Idaho that they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1998, an event marked with family and celebration. Arthur died November 12, 1998.
Marjorie was an avid bridge player and belonged to many bridge clubs. Her greatest joy was her four grandchildren. She was fortunate to watch them grow up. She felt blessed to see all four of her grandchildren marry and took joy in getting to know each of her 7 great-grandchildren. She was well loved by them in return, and they affectionately called her “GiGi.”
She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur, son Charles, and daughter Brenda, as well as her siblings Jack Cooper, Betty Woodward, Constance Rowe, Scott Cooper, Leslie Holden, Mary V. Byrd, and Helen Green. She is survived by Arlene (J. Dennis) Corbin of Miles City, Damian (Shawn) Jenkins of Agoura Hills, CA, Casey (Hilary) Corbin of Moor Park, CA, Ashlie Sarah (Brian) Slunaker of Miles City, and Currie (Wendy) Corbin of Spokane, WA. She is also survived by her 7 great-grand children: Corbin, Jack and Samuel Jenkins; Scott and John Dennis Corbin; and Josephine and Arthur Corbin.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Marjorie’s name to the Miles City Public Library Children’s Department, 1 South 10th Street, Miles City, MT 59301.
Private family services will be held. The family will be greeting all who wish to visit on Saturday, February 16, from 2-4 pm.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday February 16, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday February 16, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Jeri and Joe Dalbec says
Arlene and family…We are so sad and sorry. Prayers are with all of you. R.I.P., Margie.
Diane Grutkowski says
Dennis, Arlene & family,
No matter how many years we get to enjoy our loved ones, it is never enough. Oh what a welcome party they are having in heaven right now. I’ll bet Jesus throws awesome parties. May God bless you all during this time of grief and quickly bring comfort & joy back to each of you.
Laura Jane Willson says
Arlene,
So sorry about your Mom’s passing. Keep remembering all the special times that you had.
Laura Jane
Karen Lundgren says
Dear Arlene and Dennis,
Thinking of you in this time of sorrow. Your mom will be missed so very much! She was a vibrant presence in the world! In sympathy, Karen
Ed and Becky Gergen says
We were sorry to hear that your mother passed. I will always remember her during our 4-H days and how nice she was. We will be thinking of you.
Shorty And Judy Brush says
Arlene and Dennis so sorry to her of your loss our prayers are with you
Aaron Mollie Robert and Michael Phipps says
So sorry for your loss, it is never easy no matter the age. I am so glad you have so many wonderful memories with her! May she dance in Heaven with the angels!
Betty Super says
Arlene, I have fond memories of your Mother and know you must have many of your own. She was always very gracious, appreciative and interesting during the times spent with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort you during this sad time.
Crystal Day says
Know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. I always had a smile when I would see on Facebook that you were having tea with mom….Thinking of you.
Damon Williams says
My condolences to the Kegel family. Majorie was blessed to live a long life. May the “God of all Comfort” bring comfort and peace to you (2Corinthians 1:3 & 4). I hope that loving memories of Marjorie bring you peace.
Carol Schneider says
Dennis, Arlene, and family :
So very sorry for the loss of your mother. May God comfort you at this difficult time in your lives. She was a very talented lady and passed her wonderful skills on to all of you to remember her by. God Bless.
June Minow says
Arlene, My condolences on the loss of your mother. I always enjoyed reading on Facebook of your visits with her and having tea. It was great that you got to have her for 94 years, but it is sad to lose a parent, whatever the age. God bless you and your family.
PENE FABERT says
Arlene, and family,
My condolences to you all, l always enjoyed caring for your mom, she is such a wonderful, beautiful lady, and l miss her very much. l am so proud, and l feel so very privaleged to have met her,and take care of her, l always enjoyed getting to wake her up, and get her ready by greeting her in the morning, saying ‘good morning gorgeous, and she would thank me, and tell me the same. l also enjoyed our chats about me, and her ‘sneaking’ off to hawaii, or somewhere warm.because it was so cold here. l also enjoyed seeing you and Ashlee, as you came to visit, and getting to chat with you also. Marjorie is finally somewhere warm, and is now our “GORGEOUS’, and beautiful gaurdian angel. May god bless you, and your wonderful family.
Janice Wiersma says
Arlene and Family
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time. Always remember that your Mom /Grandma may not be with you “in person” but her soul and spirit live on in so many ways—!!!
Paul and Sue McKenna says
Our moms are such a treasure. To have them as long as we did is a great blessing. Take comfort and strength from your family. I know our moms and all of their “Miles City” lady friends are together, having cookies, tea, coffee, playing the piano and remembering their teaching days.
John & Linda Holden says
Aunt Marj was such a kind and special, talented lady. It is marvelous that she had her birthday Feb. 12th and then two days later on Valentine’s Day God took her home. What a week of celebration for her. We will miss her.
Our love and sympathy to Arlene, Dennis and family. Wish we could be there to give you a hug.
Ellie Nicholson says
Dear Dennis and Arlene~ You are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember your Mother as one of the sweetest ladys I ever hmet. She was a dear friend.
Nancy and Dennis Wamsley says
Arlene, Dennis and family,
We are so sorry to hear that our beloved Marjorie passed away. I noticed how many of the above notes commented on how kind and sweet she was. That is truly the first thing that comes to mind when I think of her. I have many lovely memories of our early holidays together and of mom and Marjorie happily ensuring that we had those memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Sherwood and Rhonda McKay says
Marge was a very sweet person. We know your family all will miss her and treasure your memories of times at the lake especially. Bless you all in this time of grief. May God comfort you in the assurance of life and love that never ends.
Barbara Bøe Anderson says
Arlene and Dennis and family:
My deepest sympathies at the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful woman who experienced many wonderful moments during her life. She is indeed enjoying a wonderful reunion somewhere warm!
Danforth and Finneman families says
Dear Corbin family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Marge was a special lady and gifted teacher.
May all your wonderful memories comfort you at this sad time.
Wesley Kegel via Gail Greeley says
Arlene and Family ,
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. I (Gail) was with Dad when one of the girls posted the news on Facebook. His exact words: That’s to bad, she was a very nice lady. She was the spunkiest old one we visited last summer. She loved to talk. Then he started to reminisce about times with Art. I think it was Cousin Karen that wrote a sentiment in a card she sent when mom passed that has really stuck with me. “Tears are memories in motion.”
Jane Samuelson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have fond memories of visiting in Miles City when I was growing up. Aunt Marge was so welcoming and made me feel like I belonged, even though we didn’t see you all too often. I remember her chicken dinner being the best and that there was lots of laughter around the table. She leaves a large legacy and will live in love forever.
Eileen & Vern Entzel says
Arlene and family,
Was so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Remember all the fun times you had when you would go have tea with her and play music that you shared with her.
Margaret Mathers Novak says
I have vivid memories of piano lessons at the Kegel home with Arlene and Charlie playing in the next room. My mother trusted Marjorie with her daughters’ music education, and we, in turn, loved her gentle instruction and being in her home. May you celebrate a life well -lived as you remember your mother, Arlene. I am thankful that I knew her and that she was a part of my family and church circle. My heart will be with you as you go forward in life without her and as you remember everyday the love you all shared with her.
Karen Knapton says
I remember visiting Art and Marge at Lake Coeur d’alene with my mom and kids – and Marge’s baked beans!! We visited in Miles City when I was little, and I met a girl that lived down the street. I felt like I was in a big city, cuz there were sidewalks! Marge was a lovely lady!
Sherri Rowe says
Dearest Arlene and family,
Just sending warm blessings and love to all of you. I too remember Aunt Marjorie as so sweet and dear. She had such a kind way about her and always invited us to smile and giggle with her. She was so adorably cute! Mom loved her so much and was so blessed by her cheerfulness. Again, our moms left all of us with such a great heritage and sound character building traits to stand by. God bless you all. We shall always treasure her in our hearts.
Much Much Love,
Sherri and family
Ann Woodward Kapernick says
I have such wonderful memories of Aunt Marjie. When I was just a little girl, she would come to MC to visit, and she would sleep in my bed. Mom would caution me not to waken her in the morning, so I would sit next to the bed and stare at her until she would awaken! I know that I didn’t say anything, but I may have invaded her space a wee bit! She so loved her brothers and sisters, and what values and fun that family had! I so remember the coffee visits that she and Mom had… I always wanted to be present to listen to their witty (and wicked!) senses of humor…She adored Arlene and Dennis and was so proud of her grandchildren. What good care you always gave her… I know that you all will miss her so…
Paula Woodward says
My darling Aunt Marjorie –
Was there anyone more cheerful than you? You answered the telephone like the person on the other end was the most valuable person in the world. That’s how made us feel. I hope you love your new wings and flying with Art, Charlie, Brenda and all your brothers and sisters. I know my mom and Connie are delighted you’ve joined them. And to the wonderful children, grandchildren, gread-grandchildren who are here because of you, I want you to know how much I loved her too. Beauty, dignity and grace. Love to all XO
Marie Farnum Kluver says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Mom was such a wonderful person. God Bless You and Your Family during this difficult time.
Debi Rapstad says
I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you – This is a very difficult time, losing a mother. Take care of you and yours.
Michelle Honstain says
My first grade teacher. So kind and loving.
Kevin Brown says
My deepest sympathies to the family. I still have fond memories of 1st grade with Mrs. Kegel. What a wonderful soul! Prayers for all of you.