Marjorie Jean Raddatz, age 99 of Beaver Dam, passed away at her home on Thursday, January 6, 2022.

Marjorie was born in Beaver Dam to Harrison McKinley and Evelyn Elger Schoenfeld. She was an only child but never felt that she was a lonely child. She grew up on a working farm and participated with her parents in church activities, the county fair, and various fraternal organizations. She started driving when she was 14, helping her dad drive milk to the cheese factory. She and her mom were involved in target shooting competitions with the Modern Woodmen. She was surrounded with family, friends, and animals. She attended Beaver Dam High School and was an excellent student and a cheerleader. She graduated on the only Friday the 13 ^th of 1941. In 1942, encouraged by her mother who didn't like the looks of a Marine who was "hanging around" Beaver Dam, she and a friend drove by themselves to Washington State to aid in the war effort. She worked at Sandpoint Naval Air Station repairing wiring harnesses for Navy planes. In 1944, she traveled to Bellflower, California to work for Douglas Aircraft correcting aircraft deficiencies that were uncovered during final inspections. It was in California that she first tasted avocados and indulged in a passion for horror films!

In 1945, she returned to Beaver Dam to help when her mom was dealing with health issues. It was then that she became reacquainted with Leland Raddatz. They were married on October 27, 1946. Leland's reenlistment in the Army took the couple to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where their daughter Debra was born in 1954. Then to Wurzburg, Germany where their son John was born in 1956. By the time Leland retired from the Army in 1972, Marjorie had spent multiple years in Germany and in several different states. She became an expert in dealing with red tape, sudden changes of plans, setting up new households, finding her way around strange cities, often while coping with foreign languages. Despite it all she managed to raise two children and care for a multiplicity of pets…dogs, two semi-feral cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chameleons, guppies, a hamster and even snails. She really didn't like the snails! And like many military wives at the time, she did it pretty much on her own and she made it look easy!

In 1972, she returned to Beaver Dam to help care for her mother, and that is where she remained for the rest of her life. People who did not know her well saw a shy, quiet woman with a gracious smile and wonderful manners. She cared about people, and she cared for people. Those of us who knew her better recognized those same character traits but also knew that she was so much more.

Mom was a genuinely positive person. She saw the best in just about everyone. She was her children's biggest fan. Her stories were rich in detail and usually dealt with the absurdity of life. Behind her infectious smile was a ready laugh and had a wonderful sense of humor. It was fascinating to sit with her and one of her friends and listen to them…. this wasn't stereotypical "old lady" gossip. Yes, they reminisced, but mostly they were curious about current events; especially politics, world news, new technology and... the wonders of on-line shopping! Mom was intelligent and deeply curious. She loved traveling through Europe and the U.S. She loved to collect rocks and fossils. She often remarked how much she would have loved to have gone to college and to have studied geology. Instead, she filled up bookshelves and boxes with wonderful samples. She was a voracious reader, often reading two or three books a week, and like her mother she preferred murder mysteries. She loved gardening, and when she couldn't play in the garden, she raised wonderful houseplants. She loved animals and got a lot of attention when she took her daughter's cat for walks around the block on a leash. She loved dogs, having her own Doberman, Sha, and was especially attached to her son's dogs, Blue Heelers named Rocky, Hydro, Sydney and Tazmo.

Marjorie is survived by her son John and his daughter Angie. Mom loved Angie and her husband Perry Firari and adored her great-grandchildren Miranda, Trevor, and Bella. Marjorie is also survived by her daughter Debra Rothenberg (Robert) and grandchildren Sheena, Shauna, Austin (Natalie) and Sheldon (Triniti) who loved visiting her in Beaver Dam, as well as great-grandchildren Rune, Castiel, Rose and Winter.

Marjorie's family would like to thank the owners and staff of the Sunview, Park Avenue Sports Café and Apple Tree restaurants for their kindness and the happy memories of good meals shared with family for many years. They would also like to thank Patty Foslid and Lori Firari for the loving care and company they provided Mom.  Lori provided end of life care for Mom and could make Mom's face light up even on rough days. As Mom's needs increased, Rainbow Hospice Care provided compassionate assistance both for her and us. We also extend thanks to Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services for their kind help in making final arrangements.

In honoring Marjorie's wishes, private family services will be held.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.