Margie Orten

Margie Orten of Brookfield, WI and Estero, FL peacefully drifted into the arms of Jesus on Sunday March 22, 2026. She was surrounded by her devoted husband and three daughters. Margie often used to say to us, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”. Precious and comforting words from 2 Corinthians 5:6-8. She did not fear death and what she believed by faith is now revealed to her in Glory. Margie was born September 2, 1939 in Milwaukee WI to Charles and Margaret Muecke. She had two older sisters (now deceased) Shirley and Betty and a younger brother Charles. She attended a K-8 Catholic school and graduated from Rufus King High School of Milwaukee. Margie loved to tell the story of her cheerleading days, she would yell out, “Get Orten!” when her high school football team was playing against their rival Washington High which was Gary’s team – and later in life she got “Orten” as her mate for life! Margie graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a B.S. and M.S. degree in Elementary Education. Margie and Gary met when her sorority (Alpha Phi) and his fraternity (Tau Kappa Epsilon) were working on a homecoming float. On their first date with the customary getting to know each other talk, ever spirited Margie said, “Gary, shut up and kiss me” and the rest is history! They were married November 19, 1960 and were devoted to each other for the next 65 years. Margie was an elementary school teacher for 12 years and then developed a successful discount bridal service business while raising her family of three daughters in Brookfield, WI. In 2001, shortly after retirement Margie and Gary bought a Florida condo and became official “snowbirds”. Margie was a Christian woman whose life reflected the values she held dear. She was faith-filled, funny and loving and these qualities were evident to all who knew her. Margie deeply loved Jesus and her husband in that order, raised a great family with a lot of love, hugs and laughs, and was blessed with many wonderful friends from each part of her life. She had the gift of hospitality and the knack for entertaining. She brought love, smiles, laughter and “bling” to family, church, neighborhood, sorority, golf/tennis, book club and card group gatherings. She always looked classy and put together with a fun story to tell. Margie’s family brought her such joy she made it her mission to stay connected with them and purposely covered each one of them in prayer! She is survived and will be greatly missed everyday by her beloved husband Gary, her daughters Wendy Heyer (Michael), Kelli Zavodny (Jon) and Joleigh Schumacher (Jon). God blessed Margie with 11 grandchildren, Steven, Brian, Lizzie, Alicia, Katie, Emily, Tori, Jack, Andrew, Benjamin and Ellie. Extra blessings with 10 great grandchildren, Pierson, Averi, Kyler, Emersyn, Josie, Jett, Jordy, Jaden, Ty and baby Swing arriving in May. A Celebration of Life well lived will be held on Friday June 19, 2026 at Elmbrook Church – Chapel, 777 S. Barker Rd. Brookfield, WI. 12:30-2:00 Visitation, 2:00-3:00 Service, 3:00 Reception at church. To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.shikanyfuneralhome.com Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978 is handling arrangements

Margie Orten

September 2, 1939 - March 22, 2026