Marion Rediger

Marion Rediger, age 82, died Thursday at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. She was born near New Auburn on March 29, 1926, to Anna (Berg) and Arthur O’Rourke.
Marion had a strong desire to learn the ways of the world. She was valedictorian of the class of 1943 at New Auburn. She also graduated with high honors with a bachelor and master degrees from what is now UW-Eau Claire. Upon completion she set out to share her knowledge with others. This led Marion to a career in teaching that began as a fifth grade teacher at Bloomer Elementary and later at Knapp Settlement and Colfax Elementary. During her 30 years of teaching she loved challenging her students to excel.
Marion married, Delbert Rediger on June 24, 1947 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomer. They enjoyed each other’s company and had a lifetime of activities together for over sixty years until her beloved husband died last January.
One of their favorite activities to enjoy together was dancing. For many years Marion and Delbert square danced and round danced with groups such as the Merry Mixers and the Squarenaders. They also enjoyed ballroom dancing together �" especially the two-step and the jitterbug. Her favorite card game was 500, which was played with friends and family members when they were able to spend time together.
Marion enjoyed traveling. She and Delbert spent their honeymoon traveling out west to destinations that included Yellowstone and Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1962 she encouraged Delbert to buy their first travel trailer. They leisurely traveled with family to many World Fairs and Expos at places like Seattle, Dallas, New York, Montreal and Vancouver. Marion’s family was very important to her. She loved every minute with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Marion loved to fish. Many hours were spent at the cottage and in the boat at Chetek with family. Marion and her husband enjoyed being “snow birds” for twenty years. They spent their winters at their home in Winter Haven, Florida, at Lakeside Ranch. She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eau Claire for over fifty years, where she sang in the choir, and was a member of the women’s circle and Bible Study groups. She was a lifetime member of the ladies’ auxiliary organizations of VFW and American Legion. She had a lifetime membership to teacher organizations including the Eau Claire Retired Teachers, WEAC, NWEA and NEA.
Marion is survived by her daughter, Mary Stanek of Eau Claire; son, David of Antonito, CO; three grandsons, Rob (Maija Thomsen) Stanek of Chicago, Adam Stanek and Tanya Staatz with great-granddaughters Prashaunt Raelee and Kenisha Marie Stanek of Eau Claire, and Chris Stanek of Eau Claire; brother, Bill O’Rourke of Chippewa Falls; sisters-in-laws, Velna Oldenberg of Bloomer, Delores (Harry) Pauling of St. Paul, Mavis (Jerome) Steinmetz of Bloomer; brothers-in-law, Arnold (Pat) Rediger, Robert (Fern) Rediger, Mervin (Carole) Rediger of Bloomer, and Bill Diekmann of Eau Claire; and many wonderful nieces and nephews other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by husband; Delbert Rediger, parents, Anna and Arthur O’Rourke; in-laws, George and Amanda Rediger; sister, Ida Traynor-Diekmann, and son-in-law, Lee Stanek.
Mom’s last words were, “I want to live!” She certainly was busy living on earth and now can live again with her family and friends that she loved in a better place.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 2, at St. John’s Lutheran Church 1804 Highland Avenue in Eau Claire, with Pastor Karen Hofstad officiating. Interment will be in the Bloomer Cemetery. Friends may call from 2:00 �" 6:00 PM on Sunday February 1, at Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer and one hour before services Monday at St. John’s in Eau Claire.