Marian L. Watje

Marian L. Watje was born on October 2, 1921, the daughter of Sam and Carrie Fox, Jr. She passed away on July 8, 2015 at the Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, Iowa at the age of 93.
Marian grew up and was educated in Iowa. She also spent part of her childhood in Forest Grove, Oregon - west of Portland. It was always one of her favorite places to visit, and Marian loved to see the ocean.
Marian was united in marriage to Ralph Watje on February 15, 1943 and the couple was blessed with three children. Marian and Ralph farmed together for many years on the Watje family homestead just south of Buck Grove. They raised feed corn, popcorn, and soy beans. The couple retired and moved to Denison in 1975. They took many fishing trips together, frequenting the local lakes, ponds, and rivers. Marian was an active gardener, both on the farm and in her Denison backyard -growing many vegetables and always flowers. She was often welcoming to the deer and the birds who would come into her garden to visit or to nest. “Birds and blooms” were a great interest of Marian’s. Additionally, she loved to travel, seeing the sights in London, England and visiting her children and their families in both California and Arizona. She was well known for her cooking - especially her fried chicken (which was a special request, always, from her grandson Ben) and her apple, cherry, rhubarb and pumpkin pies. First and foremost, Marian loved her family, and she always looked forward to their visits.
Marian is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ralph in 1990; one son James Leo in infancy; and one brother Howard Fox. Survivors include two daughters: Janice and her husband Larry; Virginia and her husband Kent; one grandson, Benjamin and fiance Jessica; one great-grandson, Maddux; many other relatives and friends.