Marjorie Kalkoske

Marjorie Edith Kalkoske died peacefully on April 5, 2020 at Primrose Memory Care Center in Weston, WI, her home since October of 2018.  From her early years until her death, Marjorie exhibited the unique combination of intelligence, compassion, humor, perseverance and community involvement that those who cared most about her admired dearly.  Marjorie was born on July 4 (yes that July 4!), 1926 in Milwaukee, WI, the youngest of two daughters to Marie and John Hoerres.  As a child growing up during the Depression years, Marjorie developed frugality, patience and both an appreciation for good fortune, and the ability to focus on better days that lay ahead.
Marjorie was a fine student and earned a scholarship to attend college and Miami University of Ohio, where she graduate with a B.A. in Mathematics in 1951, an unusual and noteworthy accomplishment for a woman of her time.  In her young adulthood, Marjorie enjoyed travel and skiing, two passions she would pass on to her own children in the years to come. She began working in the field of actuarial science for Employers Insurance of Wausau in the late 1950’s, until resigning to care for her own children.  Marjorie married Jack Kalkoske, a young teacher at Horace Mann Middle School in Wausau in 1957, and the couple had three children, Mark, Lynn and Todd.   The family enjoyed camping with longtime friends, Barb & Jim Leffin, and many trips to Madison, Neenah, Tomahawk, Connecticut and Montana to visit relatives. Upon Jack’s early death due to ALS in 1978, Marjorie took on the mantles of single parent and breadwinner with determination.  She studied mightily to compete with younger college grads in the emerging field of computer programming, excelling in her role as a Systems Analyst at Wausau Insurance, until her retirement.
Finding success professionally opened other doors for Marjorie as she indulged her interests in acting and philanthropic activities.  Among her many theatre credits for Wausau Community Theatre productions were Arsenic and Old Lace, Harvey and Mamie.  Volunteering also filled much of her time as she worked at Wausau Center for the Performing Arts, the CVA, the United Way, ASPIRUS Gift Shop, Wausau Festival of the Arts and she delivered Meals on Wheels to those in need.  Marjorie was also active in several card clubs and her longtime Bridge club friends remained dear friends for life.  She also continued to nourish her travel bug in both the US and Europe well into her 70s.  She also enjoyed reading and her crossword puzzles immensely!
Preceding Marjorie in death were her faithful husband, Jack, and her loving sister, Mary Ann Halvorson, of Madison, and her brother, John Hoerres.  She is survived by her children: son, Mark and daughter-in-law, Sharon Kalkoske of La Quinta, CA; daughter, Lynn Mitchell, of Wausau; and son, Todd and daughter-in-law, Jill Kalkoske of Milwaukee.  In addition, Marjorie had five grandchildren, Nathan and Ellis Kalkoske, of Minneapolis and Milwaukee, respectively; Madison and Afton Kalkoske, of San Francisco, CA and Towson MD, respectively; and Kira Mitchell of Longmont, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Marjorie’s name to either the Alzheimer’s Association or the United Way. Due to the COVID pandemic, there will not be a service at this time; however, a family celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Brainard Funeral Home – Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.brainardfuneral.com.