Mary ‘Marge’ Dantzler, 94, Burlington, died peacefully on Jan. 12, 2013, at Kindred Care Center. She was born June 3, 1918, in Burlington, to the late James and Anna (Wolf) DeGrave. She spent her early life in Burlington, attending St. Charles Grade School and St. Mary’s High School.
She proudly served in the Women’s Army Corps and the Air Force (WAF) during WWII, the Korean Conflict and the occupation of Germany.
On Nov. 23, 1953, she married Edgar ‘Dan’ Dantzler at the American Chapel in Wiesbaden, Germany. Following marriage they resided on the Air Force Bases in Germany, New Mexico and Texas. During this time she was active in the military church as an organist and children’s choir director. Marge and Dan received the Benemerenti Medal from Pope Paul VI because of their service to the Catholic faith on military bases. She was also active in the parochial schools as a librarian as well as an office staff member and on the PTA. After her husband’s retirement in 1973 they moved back to Burlington. Dan preceded her in death on Nov. 25, 2012.
She was a devoted and active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the adult choir and resurrection choir. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, reading and crossword puzzles. She was also an active member of the American Legion, the Women of the Air Force, AFSA Auxiliary and the TREA Auxiliary.
Survivors include her daughter, Dr. Katherine (Paul Olson) Dantzler-Olson; granddaughter, Froya Marit Olson; nieces, Diane (Bill) Kirchoff and Felice (John) Schell; other nieces; nephews; cousins and friends.
She was further preceded in death by her brothers, Harold, Ralph and William ‘Eliott’ DeGrave; sister, Cyrilla Kresken; nieces, Joyce Schilz and Betty Jo Gores.
Visitation is Monday, Jan. 21, from 4-7 p.m., at Schuette-Daniels Family Funeral Home, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The Rev. James Volkert will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
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