Margie June Degenhardt, a 40-year resident of East Tawas, Michigan and former resident of Detroit, passed away at the age of 90 on Monday, January 9, 2023 at Troy Beaumont Hospital with her beloved daughters at her side.
She was born the daughter of Malcolm and Mabel (Heard) Morris on March 9, 1932 in Nashville, Tennessee. When Margie was ten years old, she moved to Detroit to live with her grandparents, William (“Willie”) and Effie (“Betty”) Deitrick, who continued to raise her throughout her childhood. She graduated from Southeastern High School in 1950. She continued her education at Wayne State University, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education in 1954, and later, a Master’s Degree from the University of North Dakota in Reading Education in 1970. Margie worked as an elementary school physical education teacher in Detroit, and later, as a Reading Specialist with the Iosco County School District, and Title I Reading Teacher at Oscoda Elementary School, retiring in 1993.
Throughout her life Margie cherished her time with family and friends. She was a devout member of the Tawas United Methodist Church in Tawas City, Michigan. She enjoyed volunteering her time with the church, to include teaching bible school and gathering for bible study with her church family. She also enjoyed gardening which inspired her to intiate and lead the committee to create the Tawas United Methodist Church Memorial Garden. Margie was also very active in the FISH, Inc. program supporting the Iosco County church community. Margie was an avid reader and her passion for reading led her to create a library at the Whittemore-Prescott Elementary School.
Margie married Norman Degenhardt on November 5, 1955, and as an Air Force wife, supported his career for 32 years until his retirement in 1982. They enjoyed their retirement living on the shores of Lake Huron, spending a lot time sailing as members of the Tawas Bay Yacht Club for more than 30 years. Together they shared 56 years of marriage and raised four daughters all of whom survive her: Sharon Madagame, Ilene (Roche) Blanchard, Lisa (Michael) Mulcahy and Laura (Charles “Bill”) Patnaude; 7 grandchildren: Kristina (Dennis) Walters, Stephanie (Todd) Davis, Mandy Madagame, Lauren Blanchard, Andrew Mulcahy, Alex Mulcahy, and Isaac Mulcahy; one great grandson, Noah Davis and an aunt, Evalyn Morris.
Margie was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, husband, son, Steven, and brothers, Loyd and Floyd Morris. The family welcomed friends on Friday, January 13, 2023 for visitation at the Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City. On Saturday, January 14, 2023 there will be a visitation at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM to be held at the Tawas United Methodist Church in Tawas City.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tawas United Methodist Church, FISH, Inc. or Boys Town. Condolences may be shared at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
