(Elsie) Marie Beel Kolkman was born April 16, 1923 in Garvin, Oklahoma and died June 29, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the age of 94.
Marie was one of eight children born to Isaac and Mary Hardy. Times were hard but Marie found the silver lining and focused on the positive in every situation. She survived the depression and later worked during World War II as a Rosie the Riveter in San Diego, California.
This is where she met the love of her life, John Ernest Beel ‚ Navy CPO. After a short six-week courtship, they were married and that is where their legacy began with four children.
John passed away in 1969. Five years later, Marie married Cornelis Kolkman and gained three more children whom she loved deeply.
Marie loved being a mom to seven children, her beautiful rose garden, crocheting (one Christmas season, she donated over 500 hats to the shelter), ceramics, going to SLC Moose Lodge, music, dancing, making china dolls and sewing her children's clothing when they were young.
Marie is survived by her children: Jim (Linda) Beel, Vicki (Denny) Larsen, Debbie Pavich, Beverly (Rodney) Beel Howell, Jack (Barbara) Kolkman, Ray (Tammy) Kolkman and Marie Jo Kolkman. Marie is also known as Grandma Marie with 14 Grandchildren and 19 Great Grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, July 2, 2017 from 6PM to 8PM at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, SLC followed by a graveside service on Monday, July 3, 2017 at 1PM at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 E. 500 S., SLC.
Thank you to the loving staff at St. Joseph Villa, Symbii Hospice and Larkin Mortuary for your amazing care of our mother, Marie, and for caring for her like family.
