Marjorie "Marge" Golie Conkey

Marjorie Claire Golie Conkey, age 96, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at The Heritage. Marjorie (Marge, Margie) was born on October 22, 1926, to Clarence M. and Helen Nelson Golie in Granite Falls, MN.

During much of her youth Marjorie lived in Sacred Heart. In 1941 her family moved just a few miles to Granite Falls, but Marge persuaded her parents to let her stay with her Grandma Golie until the end of the school year. She soon transitioned to life in Granite Falls and graduated from Granite Falls High School in 1944. In 1948, Marge graduated from the University of Minnesota. While there she’d met the love of her life, Julian. They were married in Granite Falls as soon as they’d graduated, and moved to Appleton. Julian took a job at the Institute of Paper Chemistry; Marjorie became a teacher. Marge taught Home Economics in Kaukauna until the children were born. Later she taught in several preschools part-time and then went back to teaching Home Economics in Kimberly until her retirement in 1988.

Marge had many talents and interests. She was an excellent cook, could sew almost anything (and do it beautifully). She loved to read, play bridge, travel, and was active in the Appleton Women’s Club, Ex Libris Book Club, AAUW, and in Bible Study at First United Methodist. Until it became too difficult, she loved to bicycle and cross country ski. She was an amazing genealogist and published genealogies for the Golie-Olson family (her father), the Nelson family (her mother), and for Julian’s family (Conkey/ Parker). Over the years, many people sought her help with their own genealogies.

Marjorie is survived by her three children: Susan (Thomas) Running, Mark (Susan) Conkey, and Ann (Harry) Long. Grandchildren who will miss her include Katherine (Aaron) Skurr, Travis (Johanna) Conkey, Alison (Jesse) Gorney, Tarah (Jeremy) Perso, Heather (Joseph) Poblocki, and Michelle Long. Her beloved great-grandchildren are Costel and Luca Conkey; Liliana, Samuel, and Noelle Gorney; Oliver Perso; Penelope and Autumn Poblocki. She is also survived by a sister, Shirley Weber. Marjorie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Julian, Julian’s siblings, and her sister Avis.

The memorial service will be held in the chapel at the First United Methodist Church, 325 E. Franklin St., Appleton, on Friday, September 15th. Visitation will be at 10:00am, the service at 11:00am with Rev. Tim Navis officiating, luncheon to follow. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to the First United Methodist Church. Marjorie will be placed in a niche at Riverside Cemetery, Appleton.

Marjorie’s family would like to thank The Heritage staff. She was able to stay in her apartment to the end, and was lovingly cared for. The CNA’s, nursing staff, and kitchen staff took excellent care of her.

Mom, you were THE BEST! Rest in peace