Margaret Louise Dropek

1922 ~ 2021

Service:

March 27, 2022
2:00 PM
Marseilles United Methodist Church, 462 Church Street, Marseilles, Illinois

Margaret Louise Dropek (née Farmer) was called home to her Heavenly Father on December 26, 2021 at the age of 99. She was born on March 27, 1922 to Herman and Mary Estelle Farmer and was the youngest of six children.

Marge’s early years were spent in Seneca, Illinois during the Great Depression. Her family moved to Cambridge, Illinois where she graduated from high school. Her father’s railroad work ultimately took them back to Seneca where Marge lived and cared for her mother until she met, as she says “the love of her life Ken Dropek." She and Ken married on August 26,1943. That was a few days before he left for his WW II 8TH Army Air Corps service. While Ken was serving as a top turret gunner/flight engineer, Marge worked at the Nabisco Carton factory in Marseilles, Illinois and then the Seneca Shipyards building LST's (Landing Ship Tank) supporting the war effort. She worked first as a time clerk then transferred to the electrical shop as a machinist. Marge traveled with Ken as he finished his obligation to the service until they began their family which ultimately was four children. They settled in Marseilles.
Marge was always an active participant in whatever her children were involved in: Sunday School, church children’s choir director for 39 years (even after her own children were no longer involved), Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and often a room mom, PTA president (a few times) as well as a band mom. Marge's love of music was shared during her long-time service in the adult choir at the Marseilles United Methodist Church.
When all four children left home, Marge worked at the Marseilles Cleaners and then for 11 years at the Marseilles Chamber of Commerce. In 2006, she sold the house on Washington Street that she and Ken had built in the mid-40s and moved to Epworth Village in Ottawa, Illinois. She moved from Ottawa to Sandy, Utah in 2015 to be closer to more family and medical facilities.
Marge was a great example to all on how to live a good life. She loved her God and her family. She freely gave and showed love to all around her. If a new family was moving into the neighborhood, she would make them a meal so they wouldn’t need to worry about what to eat on their first night. She could and would talk to just about anyone and everyone. She would always comment about the “nice person she met on the plane” when she came to visit. She made sure to send all of her family birthday cards and even started making her own cards on her computer when she got older. As an accomplished seamstress, she sewed school clothes, wedding dresses, and tailored suits, and was also a skilled crafter of knitted and crocheted items. She made her grandchildren afghans in their favorite color and granddaughters fairytale themed pillow dolls that were beautiful. Having grown up during the Great Depression, she didn’t let anything go to waste. She made meals called “refrigerator clean out” that sometimes made her family skeptical of the outcome but always tasted good. And most of all, she wanted all of her family to know that they were loved and cared for.
She is survived by her children Barbara Lockwood (David), Janet Riccio (Dennis), Richard (Pamela), and Kenneth (Gail), 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.
Marge will be interred at Marseilles Riverview Cemetery with a family graveside dedication. A celebration of life will be held at Marseilles United Methodist Church on Marge’s 100th birthday anniversary; March 27th, 2022 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Marge may send a donation to the Marseilles United Methodist Church 462 Church Street Marseilles, IL 61341 or Epworth United Methodist Church, 627 Gentleman Road, Ottawa, IL 61350.


Guestbook/Condolences

Sending my condolences to the Dropek family. Marge was an exceptional cook and baker. She will be missed.


- Dubach Sue

My prayers go out to your family at this time of loss. You were someone who I totally admired as I was growing up no matter how often you told me to spit out my gum or to be quiet while we were sitting in the balcony. As i became a
Leader in my church I often used some of your tricks to keep children in line (like sitting in between them so they couldn’t talk to one another during the service). You will always be remembered.


- Lora Outman Clark

II am so sorry for the loss of such a great lady. Thank you for your service and prayers to the family.

Adrianne Rosanova


- Adrianne Rosanova

Mrs. Dropek may you rest in peace I think about you often you taught me so much when I was a majorette thank you! you You were always the kindest lady! I know you're going to be sorrowfully missed!


- Bev Boaz Page

So sorry Marge was a lovely lady. 🙏🙏🙏😢


- Rosemary Martin