Marjorie "Marge" Kesterke

Marjorie Kesterke (100 years old) from Berrien Springs passed away on Friday, March 20 at 11:15 a.m. in Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph.
Marjorie “Marge” was born Jan. 24, 1920, at her parents’ family farmhouse on Empire Avenue in Bainbridge Township. She attended the local Bainbridge School with children from Kindergarten through 8th grade in a one-room schoolhouse.
She worked hard on her family’s fruit farm, along with her brothers Raynold, Edward, and Joseph and sister Delora. Along with her parents, Joseph and Frances, they were a warm, hard-working, and loving family.
Marge could really dance and play the piano without reading a musical note. As a youngster, she approached her life with zest and vigor. She was raised to be humble and respectful of others, and she had a strong relationship with Jesus.
Marjorie attended St. John’s High School in Benton Harbor until the age of 15. At that time in our nation’s history, many young people were compelled to leave school and find employment to help with the family finances…and that is exactly what Marge did. She left home to work as a live-in housekeeper for a local family. Soon after, she landed a job at Remington Rand when jobs like these were hard to find. Aside from her strong work ethic, Marge had some outstanding athletic skills and played 1st base for the company’s softball team. As her brother Ray stated, “She is a tiny little mite, but never afraid to put the tag on an approaching runner—a force to be reckoned with!”
Dancing became her favorite form of entertainment, as she attended dances in places like Crystal Palace, Shadowland, The Ramona, The Higman-- and Japoland—the place where she met the love of her life, Charlie Kesterke, after World War II. They were married June 21, 1947, and built a life together at their home on Lake Chapin in Berrien Springs.
Aside from her duties as a homemaker, she was the “go to” person when family or friends needed assistance. She was known for putting others before herself. She was a genuine person with a strong sense of empathy for others. Most importantly, she lived her faith.
Marge worked at polling precincts for a number of years and worked at the Berrien County Youth Fair at the Main Entrance of the grounds. She was a founding member of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Berrien Springs, and volunteered her services whenever or wherever she could.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Frances Sieber; brothers: Raynold (Florence) Sieber, Edward (Florence) Sieber, Joseph (Donna) Sieber; and sister, Delora (Duke) Postello.
Marge is survived by her sons, Roger (Kathy) Kesterke of Berrien Springs and Michael Kesterke of Holland. Her four grandchildren are John (Denise) Kesterke of Grand Rapids and great-grandchildren Sydney and Jacob; Amy (Tim) Kissman of Mason and great-grandchildren Autumn and Sage; Dan (Jean) Kesterke of Adrian and great-grandchildren Ian and Rowan; and Kimberly Kesterke of Marietta, GA and great-grandchild Sophia.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Mass will be held at a later date, due to the current health crisis our country is experiencing. Memorials can be sent to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Buchanan, the Berrien Springs Area Endowment Fund, and the Berrien County Youth Fair Association. Messages may be left online at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

UPDATE:
After weighing many considerations, addressing many uncertainties, and evaluating location options, we have concluded that we will have a Rosary, visitation, funeral Mass, luncheon and grave site service on Friday, June 26th. What follows is a list of details outlining what we feel is going to make this celebraion of mom's life, first and foremost, safe for you to attend:

1) Location; The Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, covered, open-air pavilion, located at 51841 Leach Road, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047.
2) Structure of pavilion; This huge, covered, open-air pavilion, has been used for many years to celebrate Mass for the huge Sunday crowd created by the increase in the Sister Lakes summer population from Chicago. The capacity of the pavilion is such that 900 folding chairs can be set up. Attached to the pavilion is an air-conditioned social hall.
3) Safety; Everyone's safety is our primary concern! Due to the size of this pavilion, we are able to set up chairs in such a way that households can sit together and still maintain 6 feet of social distance between themselves and the next household and/or individuals. We are encouraging everyone to wear a mask, and due to the open-air venue it will be safer and easier to maintain social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be available.
4) Parking; There is a large asphalt parking lot adjacent to the pavilion which is easily accessible. Walkers and wheelchairs will be available if needed.
5) Times; The Rosary will start at 9:00 AM and will be led by Lynda Pelkey. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 AM. The Funeral Mass will start at 11:00 AM.
6) Luncheon; We will have a luncheon and more time for fellowship immediately following Mass until 2:30PM. Due to the type of food items that will be served, it will be easy to eat sitting in a chair in the pavilion. Or if you desire, some tables will be available in the social hall. The serving of food from the buffet table to your plate will only be handled by people wearing gloves and masks, and social distancing will be maintained. We are encouraging you to wear a mask when going through the food line.
7) Video of Mass; For those of you who will be unable to attend, the funeral Mass will be videotaped and posted by Mike on YouTube and on The Family and Friends of Marge Kesterke Facebook page on Saturday, June 27th. Mike will send you a link to the YouTube video, via email.
8) Attire; Under normal circumstances, discussion of attire would not be a consideration. However, due to the location of our Mass and due to a potentially warm day, please feel free to dress comfortably with casual attire.
9) Grave site service; A grave site service will be held at approximately 3:30 at the Rosehill Cemetery, 10160 Rosehill Road, Berrien Springs, Michigan, 49103.