Marjorie Wichlei

Madison -- Marjorie Wichlei died peacefully at Sebring on Saturday, December 19, 2009, she was 95. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she was the child of Conrad and Freida Dausses. After attending DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, she worked at the Chicago Theological Seminary. It was there she met a student, Richard Wichlei of Binghamton, New York. After he received his Theological Degree, they were married and moved to his first pastorate at the First Congregational Church in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. She was elected the first woman registrar of the Winnebago Association of which Hillsboro First Congregation was a part. From there she went with her husband to Grace Congregational Church in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. After serving ten years at Grace Congregational Church, she and her husband moved to Madison, becoming staff with the Wisconsin Congregational Conference. There she became a member of First Congregational Church Chapel. She became a member of the Board of Deacons, and served as treasurer of Section Ten, one of the women's groups at First Congregational Church. Surviving her at the time of her death are her husband, Rev. Richard Wichlei; a son, Alan, living with his wife, Janice, in Lexington, Massachusetts; a daughter, Jean, living in Madison; a granddaughter, Sara, living with Alan and his wife, Janice; and many relatives and friends. A memorial service will take place, with Rev. Curt Anderson, Pastor of Madison First Congregational Church Chapel, at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be given to First Congregational UCC Church in Madison; Planned Parenthood; World Wildlife; or something of your own choosing.

Because of you we've laughed a little more

Cried a little less;

Smiled a lot for no special reason;

Because of you, we felt the warm embrace of

A good and lasting friendship;

Because of you, this was a happier, nicer place.

(Author Unknown)

Hers was a blithe spirit (Shelley), she will be missed by those who knew and loved her.