Marcia M. Athman

Marcia Athman, 82 year old resident of Pierz, MN, passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at the St. Cloud Hospital. To honor her life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Friday, December 7, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pierz, with Father Kenneth Popp officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Pierz. Visitation will be from 4 PM to 7 PM on Thursday and from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Friday at Shelley Funeral Chapel in Pierz. The Christian Mothers will pray a Rosary at 4:30 PM on Thursday. Marcia was born on July 9, 1936 to Wilhelmina (Kruschek) and Alois Happke, in Buh Township, Morrison County, Minnesota. She was raised on the family farm west of Pierz. Growing up in a family of musicians, she taught herself how to play the piano and accordion by ear at a young age which ignited a passion for music that would endure throughout her life. Over the years, she played old-time music favorites with several bands, including Don’s Concertina Band, the Nitehawks, and her sister’s band, the Jolly Fisherman. While her affection for music was strong, Marcia’s greatest joy and love in life was her family. As a young woman, she met Coelestin (Cel) Athman at a dance, fell in love, and married him at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on September 7, 1954. For many years, she was a homemaker and stay-at-home mom to their four children: Clyde, Debbie, Loren and Gwen. When her kids grew older, she began working at Hartmann’s until she retired. She found great joy seeing and helping her friends and neighbors as they came through the store. Having lived in Pierz for 82 years, Marcia loved her hometown. She was a wealth of knowledge for local and family history and was a delightful storyteller. She volunteered at The Villa, served as a Eucharistic minister, and sung with the Gesundheit Singers and the Adult Choir at St. Joseph’s church. As a dedicated sports fan, she always rooted for her Pioneers. Even when it became too difficult for her to attend the games, she made sure to tune in on the radio. Marcia was also an avid reader and committed gardener. Her friends were very important to her, and her family meant the world to her. With her parting, Marcia’s children and grandchildren will deeply miss the sound of her voice, the sight of her playing piano, the taste of her homemade pickles, and the smell of bread pudding baking in the oven. In the midst of our sorrow, there is also great joy knowing that she is reunited with her husband and true love, Cel; her parents, Wilhelmina and Alois Happke; son-in-law, Rick Powers; brother, Jim Happke; and sister, Joyce Smieja. For those of us who remain behind, she will be deeply missed. Marcia is survived by her sons, Clyde (Carol) of St. Cloud, MN, and Loren (Denice) Athman of Pierz; daughters, Debbie Powers of New Richmond, WI and Gwen (Martin) Garber of Milaca, MN; siblings, John "Jack" (Barbara) Happke of Pierz and Lila Norton of New Richmond, WI; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

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Marcia M. Athman

July 9, 1936 - November 28, 2018