Marion Meeks Koechlein

Biography

Marion Amelia Baker Meeks Koechlein, 90, died Friday, July 30, 2004, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook, NE.

Marion was born on March 27, 1914, at Plainfield, New Jersey, to Albert F. and Nancy Ianson (Skellenger) Baker. She graduated from Plainfield High School in 1932 and Savage School for Physical Education in New York City in 1936. She furthered her education at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in 1942. She taught physical education in Rockleigh, NJ, Utica, NY, and Plainfield, retiring in 1976.

Marion married Francis M. Meeks III, in Plainfield in July of 1941. To this union two children were born. In December of 1971, she married Donald F. Koechlein, Sr.

Marion taught swimming lessons at the Plainfield YWCA and was a life guard and teacher at summer camps for special needs children. She also was an airplane spotter during World War II. She enjoyed tennis, playing the piano, cross word puzzles, bike riding and swimming.

She was a member of United Methodist Church for over 78 years and sang in the church choir.

Marion had lived in Plainfield, NJ and Bradenton, FL for most of her life. She moved to the McCook community in May of 2001 to be near her daughter. She was residing at Hillcrest Nursing Home at the time of her death.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Donald on August 7, 1996; and two brothers, Albert and Daniel Baker.

Survivors include her children, Nancy and husband, Ron Mousel, of McCook, NE and Francis M. Meeks IV and wife, Judie, of Greensboro, GA; step-children, Sheila and husband, Fred Schmitz, of Palo Alto, CA and Donald Koechlein, Jr. of Long Branch, NJ; one sister, Francis and husband, Bob Harris of Garwood, NJ; sisters-in-law, Betty Baker of Bradenton, FL, Helen Moody of Castleton, NY, and Betsy Koechlein of Largo, FL: grandchildren, Ryan Mousel, Amanda Sutton, Brett Meeks, and Brady Meeks; step-grandchildren Fred Schmitz, Eric Schmitz, Kent Schmitz and Rachel Koechlein; three great-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren.

Memorials were given in her name to the American Cancer Society.

There was a private family service. Inurnment was in Memorial Park Cemetery Columbarium in McCook, NE.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.