Margaret "Margie" M. Jekel

After a long and happy life, Margaret “Margie” Jekel passed away of natural causes on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 in Lacey Washington, at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alex Jekel (2006), and her eldest son, Stephen Jekel (2013). Margie was born on March 13, 1925 to Dennis and Pearl (Gerou) King in Escanaba, Michigan. She attended school in West Allis, Wisconsin and graduated from West Allis Central High School in 1943. In June of 1943, she married Alex S. Jekel and began a career as a military wife for next 24 years. During that time, she became the loving mother of nine children, Shari Cummins (New Albany, Indiana), Stephen Jekel (deceased), Chris Jekel (Centralia, Washington), David (Barbara) Jekel (Olympia, Washington), Peter (Linda) Jekel (Lacey, Washington), Mary Stephens (Lacey, Washington), Maggie (Bill) Jekel-Penn (Olympia, Washington), Louise (Mike) Jones (Downey, California), and Suzanne (Jim) Justin (Olympia, Washington). As a military wife, she lived in Mountain Home, Idaho; Hampton, Virginia; Terceira, Azores; Rantoul, Illinois; Mobile, Alabama; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Tampa, Florida; Lakenheath, England; Spokane, Washington; Biloxi, Mississippi; Mineral Wells, Texas; Enterprise, Alabama; and Tacoma, Washington. Margie would tell you that travelling with her husband and family to the many places around the United States and Europe were the best times of her life. After military life, she settled into a career as a mother and matriarch of a mature family. She and Alex moved to Lacey and then to a farm in Rainier, Washington. In later years, she moved back to Lacey. Margie was a devoted Catholic throughout her life and a member of the St. Peter’s parish in Tenino and Sacred Heart parish in Lacey. Her most memorable experience was organizing and leading a trip for women at her church in Lakenheath, England to the shrine in Lourdes, France. She often spoke of the deep spiritual influence this had on her life. Her family and friends will remember Margie for her inexhaustible optimism and unending reservoir of compassion and love. It was often said that Margie found good in every person she met and a reason to find hope in every circumstance. In addition to her own children, she cared for foster children and became the surrogate mother to the numerous friends her children brought home. Food, a willing ear, and kindness were always in bountiful supply in Margie’s house. Margie inspired others as a caregiver for more than 20 years for her mother-in-law, Helen; her mother, Pearl; and her husband, Alex. She provided comfort and support to them through lengthy illnesses without complaint or regret. In addition to her nine children, Margie is survived by 18 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild on the way. All of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends agree that there has never been a person who loved so deeply, provided encouragement and nurture with such abundance, and gave so selflessly to those around her than Margie. Our world is, without a doubt, less at the passing of one who has given so much, and heaven is enriched at the return of such a bright and pure soul. Margie’s life will be celebrated on Friday, July 26, 2019, 9:00 a.m. with a funeral mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lacey. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please donate to your local food bank or favorite charity in Margie’s name.