Marjorie Kay “Marge” Brehmer, daughter of George and Florence (Leonard) Gathman, was born April 16, 1943, in Hartley, Iowa. She spent her childhood in Hartley, where she attended Hartley High School.
Marge was united in marriage to Ron Brehmer on Saturday, June 22, 1968, at the United Methodist Church in Hartley. They became the parents of five children: Mark, Sheila, Daniel, Jennifer, and Ryan.
Marge accompanied Ron during his military career to California and Washington. Following Ron’s retirement from the military, the family returned to Hartley where Marge was first employed at the Primghar Care Center in Primghar, Iowa and then at the Hartley Senior Wellness Center in Hartley. When her work schedule would allow, she enjoyed spending time in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her family, going to casinos, and playing bingo. Marge was also an avid bird watcher, and the Cardinal ranked among her favorites. In later years, she spent her time at home – loving her dog, Teddy, and her two cats, Milly and Billie. Yet, among all of life’s pleasures, Marge’s greatest joys were her grandkids and great-grandkids.
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, Marge peacefully passed from this life at her home in Spencer, Iowa, at the age of 81, surrounded by her loving family. Preceding her in death were her husband, Ron Brehmer; her parents, George and Florence Gathman; mother-in-law, Dolly Leth; father-in-law, John Brehmer; two sisters: Bonnie Gathman and Georgia Jensen; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert Jensen, Jack Brehmer, Russell “Ray” Brehmer, Denny Leth, Richard and Carol Leth, Terry and Pam Leth, Sally and Alvin Steffens; and her beloved little dog, Teddy.
Left to cherish her memory are her children and spouses: Mark (Julie) Brehmer, Sheila (Terry) Aldrich, Daniel (Joni) Brehmer, Jennifer (Brady) Westphal, and Ryan (Ashley) Brehmer; her grandchildren: Scott (Amy), Melissa (Matt), Jackie (Tyler), Devin (Emma), Ceselie (Josh), Kyle (Brandee), Jarad (Sam), Jeff (Steph), Nathan, and Ashley; 16 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held October 22 at Hartley Funeral Home Chapel, Hartley, Iowa with Dr. Lynn Dau officiating.
Songs of Praise were “Amazing Grace,” “In The Garden,” “Broken Halos” and “Long Black Train.”
Pallbearers were Devin Brehmer, Nathan Westphal, Kyle Pratt, Aiden Mouw, Cohen Rittenhouse and Cameron Reid.
Honorary Pallbearers were Ashley Westphal, Ceselie Rittenhouse, Melissa Heidesch, Jackie Heck, Tristen Tifft, Colie Tifft, Paityn Pratt and Wrenley Westphal.
Final Resting Place is Pleasant View Cemetery, Hartley, Iowa.
Sanborn and Hartley Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.