After a long and productive life, Marian Bidlingmaier, age 95, passed away December 18, 2012 at the New Glarus Nursing Home, where she was convalescing from a broken hip suffered in November. She was born June 3, 1917 to Fred and Bertha (Krebs) Augsburger, and grew up on the family farm near Winslow, IL. She graduated from Winslow High School and Green County Normal., and taught in a one-room school at Green Valley.
She met and fell in love with Alvin Bidlingmaier, her brother John's best friend, and they were married at St. John's Church in Monroe. Their marriage of 67 years began on a farm near Martintown where they formed a wonderful partnership. He worked tirelessly with the dairy farm, and she lovingly made a home for four boys born within five years. In 1951 they moved to the Augsburger family farm. One year later a daughter joined the family, and a niece lived with them for four years. Throughout their married life there was always room for one more at the table, and Marian was quick to rustle up more food and another plate. She was happiest in the kitchen, preparing food for the family she so dearly loved. In 1973 they retired to their original farm near Martintown, where they remained until Alvin's death in 2007.
Marian was active in the Martintown Church, where she and Alvin were one of the earliest members. Their faith and church meant so much to them, and they gave of their love and time in return. She was involved in the Willing Workers, sang in the choir, and served as Sunday School and Bible School teacher for many years. Every Sunday would find the Bidlingmaier family at church in Martintown. She was the first to volunteer to bring food for funerals, clean the church, or do whatever was necessary to make it a special place. Other activities included Homemakers Club, playing cards, and attending their children's activities. In later years they babysat countless children of relatives and neighbors. She had a passion for babies and children, and rarely turned down an opportunity to be "Grandma Bid" to yet another child.
Marian has left this world to be with her Lord and joins her parents, brothers Bob and John, husband Alvin, and son Larry. Her love and devotion to her faith and family was ever apparent. She leaves behind Larry's (Marcia) children, Layne, Neil, Tami, and Tana; Bob (Georgean) and Scott; Claire (Sue) and Melanie, Todd; Jim (Jill) and Kelly and Ross; Sue (Paul) Dellwo; niece Rose Drye Durtschi (Tom) and Todd and Melody; and 14 great-grandchildren.
A heartfelt "thank you" to the staff and residents of St. Clare Friedensheim who became dear friends over the last five years, and to the staff at New Glarus Home for their care and compassion.
Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at the Martintown Church at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 12, 2013 with Pastor Kevin Cernek officiating. Visitation will be at the Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home in Monroe on Friday, January 11 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Although her mission and purpose on earth is now complete, her life, love, and legacy remain within the hearts and lives of family, friends, and all those she touched. She will be truly missed.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.
She met and fell in love with Alvin Bidlingmaier, her brother John's best friend, and they were married at St. John's Church in Monroe. Their marriage of 67 years began on a farm near Martintown where they formed a wonderful partnership. He worked tirelessly with the dairy farm, and she lovingly made a home for four boys born within five years. In 1951 they moved to the Augsburger family farm. One year later a daughter joined the family, and a niece lived with them for four years. Throughout their married life there was always room for one more at the table, and Marian was quick to rustle up more food and another plate. She was happiest in the kitchen, preparing food for the family she so dearly loved. In 1973 they retired to their original farm near Martintown, where they remained until Alvin's death in 2007.
Marian was active in the Martintown Church, where she and Alvin were one of the earliest members. Their faith and church meant so much to them, and they gave of their love and time in return. She was involved in the Willing Workers, sang in the choir, and served as Sunday School and Bible School teacher for many years. Every Sunday would find the Bidlingmaier family at church in Martintown. She was the first to volunteer to bring food for funerals, clean the church, or do whatever was necessary to make it a special place. Other activities included Homemakers Club, playing cards, and attending their children's activities. In later years they babysat countless children of relatives and neighbors. She had a passion for babies and children, and rarely turned down an opportunity to be "Grandma Bid" to yet another child.
Marian has left this world to be with her Lord and joins her parents, brothers Bob and John, husband Alvin, and son Larry. Her love and devotion to her faith and family was ever apparent. She leaves behind Larry's (Marcia) children, Layne, Neil, Tami, and Tana; Bob (Georgean) and Scott; Claire (Sue) and Melanie, Todd; Jim (Jill) and Kelly and Ross; Sue (Paul) Dellwo; niece Rose Drye Durtschi (Tom) and Todd and Melody; and 14 great-grandchildren.
A heartfelt "thank you" to the staff and residents of St. Clare Friedensheim who became dear friends over the last five years, and to the staff at New Glarus Home for their care and compassion.
Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at the Martintown Church at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 12, 2013 with Pastor Kevin Cernek officiating. Visitation will be at the Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home in Monroe on Friday, January 11 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Although her mission and purpose on earth is now complete, her life, love, and legacy remain within the hearts and lives of family, friends, and all those she touched. She will be truly missed.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.