Marguerite Mabel Gerken

Marguerite "Margie" Mabel Gerken, 93, of Cole Camp, MO, formerly of Sedalia, MO, passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Ambrose Park Residential Care Facility in Cole Camp. She was born on August 29, 1928, in Rural Benton County, MO, the daughter of Oliver Bockelman and Hulda (Heimsoth) Bockelman, who preceded her in death.

On October 7, 1951 in Cole Camp, she was united in marriage to Bud (C. C. Gerken Jr.), who preceded her in death on August 6, 1997.

She was born at her grandfather John Bockelman's house in rural Benton County. She lived there until graduation from high school and worked in Kansas City, traveling home on weekends when she could find a ride. In 1951, she married Bud (C. C. Gerken Jr.) and moved to his family farm west of Mora, MO where she lived until after Bud passed away. After selling the farm, she bought a house in Sedalia in 2000 to be closer to family. She lived there until moving in with her daughter, Judy in Sedalia and her family for several years. In 2018, she moved to Ambrose Park in Cole Camp and resided there until her death.

Margie began her education in a 1 room schoolhouse, attending Bahrenburg and Lake Creek schools. Walking to school in snow and by pastures of bulls that scared her terribly. Her freshman year she attended Stover High School because that was the only bus route by their home. That ceased her Sophomore year and she attended Cole Camp, living in town staying with a family to help out with their daily chores for room and board. Her Junior year her sister Fay attended Cole Camp school with her, so bus service was extended to pick them up. Margie played volleyball all 3 years at Cole Camp and spoke of her coach and Superintendent, (at that time) John Ragland fondly many times. Her Senior year she was elected class secretary.

After high school, Margie worked at several places in Kansas City for a few years prior to her marriage. Margie's life revolved around the BUDMAR dairy Holstein Farm and helping Bud with the milk cows and field work. After they sold the herd for the last time, she worked seasonally at interstate Studios for a few years.

Margie was baptized on September 9, 1928 at Brauersville Church, sponsors were Mabel Meisner, John Heimsoth, and Alferd Bockelman. On June 14, 1942 she publicly confessed her faith in God through confirmation at Brauersville Church by Rev. R. Kranz. Margie transferred her membership from Brauersville Lutheran Church to St. Paul's Lutheran church in Cole Camp upon her marriage. Margie was active in the church all through her life. She taught Jr. Lutherans and served as president, secretary and treasurer of the WELCA. She served on the sale committee, Alter Guide and church fair stand for a number of years. She was a member of the Ladies Lydia Circle and loved coming to the quilting group "One Stitch at a Time'. She is known for her homemade grape pies at the Cole Camp Fair church stand..

Survivors include two daughters, Pat Vansell (Ed) of Van Buren, AR, and Judy Smith (Todd) of Sedalia; a brother, Marvin Bockelman of Cole Camp; two sisters, Fay Miller of Cole Camp and LaVerne Mills of Peculiar, MO; six grandchildren, Christy Barnett, Kelly Moore, Eddie Vansell, Haylea Heimsoth, Chelsea Smith, and Drew Smith; eleven great grandchildren; and a brother-in-law, Stuart Mills, of Peculiar, MO.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Bob Miller and Ralph Stark; and two sisters-in-law, Kathy Bockelman and Anna May Stark; and a nephew, Randy Stark.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Cole Camp, with Pastor Stephen Zeller and Pastor Sandy Schlesselman officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Cole Camp, MO.

Pallbearers will be Eddie Vansell, Drew Smith, Robert Koester, Mark Mills, Travis Bockelman, and Leon Shearer.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or the Cole Camp Educational Foundation in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.