Margie E. Waltke, 93

Margie Eileen Waltke, 93, of Valentine, formerly of Beatrice, died Friday, May 24, 2024 at her daughter’s home. She was born April 9, 1931 at Gothenburg and baptized in Gothenburg. Margie attended country school and was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church of rural Pickrell. She married Ernest Waltke February 4, 1951 at Zion Lutheran Church; they lived and farmed in the Adams area as well as south of Beatrice.

Margie worked at Formfit and the Lutheran hospital both in Beatrice and then was the custodian at St. John Lutheran Church for many years. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, the Ruth Circle of the church, and taught Sunday School. Margie and Irene Busboom did home interior work for many years.

Survivors include her son, Dr. Eugene (Renie) Waltke of Florida; daughter, Susan (Philip) Cook of Valentine; daughter-in-law, Linda Waltke of Norfolk; seven grandchildren, Jenny (Jason) Schmitz of Omaha, Andrew Waltke of Oklahoma, Mackenzie Waltke of Norfolk, Amanda Waltke of Omaha, Phil Cook and fiancé, Gabriella of Lincoln, Hunter Cook of Georgia, and Christian Cook of Lincoln; two step-grandchildren, Brad Schaeppi of Minnesota and Amy Zebrowski of Florida; 10 great-grandchildren with another due in November; sisters-in-law, Genny Eckhoff and Jancie Waltke; brother-in-law, Alfred Waltke; step-brother-in-law, Larry Luksik; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Waltke, who died May 6, 2014; two sons, Terry Waltke and Duane Waltke; parents, Menne and Louise (Schoenweis) Thompson; birth parents, Henry and Sophia (Schoenweis) Eckhoff; sisters, Anna (Elmer) Bergman, Lena (Henry) Paben, Frieda (Fredrick) Steinkamp, Emma (Eldred) Bergman, Vermina (Dean) Cullison, and Irene (Ted) Busboom; brothers, Fredrick (Dorothy) Thompson, Edwin Eckhoff, and John (Emma) Thompson; in-laws, Edwin Nelson, Arnold Baehr, Hannah (Elmer) Johnsen, Leanna (Ray) Mihulka, Jurgen (Leona) Waltke, Willie Waltke, John (Marie) Waltke, Willard Waltke, Agnes (Willie) Williams, Christina (George) Agena, Marilyn Waltke and Orland Henke.

Funeral services were held Thursday, May 30, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church of Beatrice with Pastor Arden Dorn officiating. Burial was held at the Christ Lutheran Cemetery of rural Pickrell.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to St. John Lutheran Church and Boundaries Without Borders Animal Rescue.

Fox Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Beatrice was in charge of the arrangements.