Marianne Genge
Marvelous Marianne Genge, 92, of Indian Head Park, peacefully passed away on Saturday (October 14, 2023) surrounded by her family.
Marianne Genge was born June 4, 1931 in Lyons, Illinois, to Rose and James Pederson. It was a year that saw unemployment double and that brought devastating drought and dust bowls. Life was not easy, and this would intensify with the passing of her father shortly after Marianne’s birth. Being brought into a world filled with so much grief, it would be easy to understand if Marianne was a bit pessimistic, but she was the exact opposite. Marvelous, as she would affectionately be known, was a glass half full type of person.
She was a strong, vibrant, and vivacious individual who was loved by all who knew her. She did well in school and was adored by her classmates. She would maintain many of these early relationships until her last days.
Marianne would marry Russell Gasaway and create a loving family. Their home was filled with laughter and always open to neighborhood friends. When Russell grew ill, she would take care of him until his death and continue to raise their kids to be as strong as she. Marvelous was a generous soul, one of a kind, and truly larger than life. She later married Richard Genge and expanded their family to include one more. Her family meant everything to her, and she was a role model and matriarch to her loved ones.
Marvelous’s family extended beyond the walls of her home. She was a hardworking and successful real estate agent for nearly 30 years. Real estate was not just a career, but a way to connect with people; it was a passion. She formed strong bonds with her coworkers, who became lifelong friends and family.
Marianne was an incredible mother, a spunky grandma/nana/nonna, a caring friend, and a confident and fun person to be around. She was a writer, a poet, a painter, a crocheter, a quilter, a competitive card player, and a hard-to-beat Scrabble enthusiast. She loved to sing and tell jokes and stories. She enjoyed staying in touch with friends and family, making sure they knew how much she loved them.
Three Lakes, Wisconsin, held a special place in her heart, serving as a second home for many decades. She built a community of neighbors and friends there that would become a second family. And this included all of the shopkeepers, the deer, the hummingbirds – she knew them all. Marvelous would not miss an opportunity to take in the beauty of each sunset over the lake, the way the yellows turned to pinks and oranges and reds. And when she passed away this Saturday evening, it was just like that – this giant sun radiating all of her extraordinary colors.
Marianne Genge is survived by her sons, Russell (Debbie) Gasaway and Bruce (Jenny) Gasaway; daughters, Barbara (Peter) Madaio and Jeanne (Daniel) Puskaric; and stepson Tom (Lisa) Genge. Also mourning her loss are 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Russell Gasaway and Richard Genge.
Visitation 9:30am until time of Memorial Service, Noon on Saturday, October 21st at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society are appreciated. Funeral information: 708-352-6500
Marianne was my 2nd mother and I loved her dearly and I will miss the most incredible woman. And her sense of humor…love you mom.
Marvelous Marianne certainly lived up to her name. Her smile and personality lit up a room when she entered it. Such an amazing giving and loving soul. You will be surely be missed by so many. Enjoy your Spirit family that you’ve missed so much and who has missed you as well. You will always remain in our hearts with the warmest of memories. God’s Speed and may the love of Jesus be with you always.
The Boldens…..Bob, Deb, Eric & Ashleigh ❤️😇🙏🏻
Maryann was a very good friend and an excellent Realtor. Besides her singing behind my desk, she was a great mentor. We had the most fun with Rich and Paul and American Homes for sure. I gave up my tickets to Tony Bennet front row tickets to go sell a home, and gave them to her and another agent. That was the highlight of her day. WE laughed, cried, sang, had some good wine, and enjoyed each other’s company. We had so much fun together. She will truly be missed. My deepest sympathy to her family.
she is with God and Rich now! Amen! I’ll always remember her as I pass her home daily on Wolf Road. That is for sure!
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. She will be sorely missed.
On a very personal note, I have to say that I have never met a person I enjoyed knowing more. She was a ray of sunshine every time I saw her, and she blessed people everywhere she went. Godspeed, Auntie Marianne.
Till we meet again. We will always love you. Rick & Debby
I am so sorry to hear of Marianne’s passing. I love working with her at American Homes! She was a wonderful mentor and friend. She truly was marvelous!! She was always so positive, happy & singing in the office. She made the world a better place & I’ll never forget her! My thoughts and prayers are with her lovely family.
I remember Marianne so fondly during my years working at American Homes. Her kindness and jovial spirit was contagious. God speed Marianne! Ty for the love you spread in this world.
Anyone in the basement for a dance party circa 1969 will remember us singing “here’s to you Mrs. Gasaway Jesus loves you more than you will you will know” she sprayed us with the hose thru the window while watering flowers. RIP Mrs. G
Barb,
Thinking of you, your beautiful daughters, Russell, Bruce and Jeanne at this sad time. My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. Your mom will be greatly missed. So kind, fun and full of life. She has welcomed me into her home since the days when we wore knee socks and itchy school uniforms to St. Hugh. What a wonderful life filled with love and adventure. All the memories she created will live on forever and may they help carry you and the entire family through such a difficult time.
Much love and respect,
Karen
Kindness & empathy are hallmarks of Marianne’s life. When my father died on June 8, 1992, she knew that I was grieving. In her loving way, she said, “Come on – let’s run away!” We drove up to her beautiful home in Three Lakes, Wisconsin. There she, Rich, & I enjoyed a very nice time. The highlight was being “dive bombed” by a huge eagle while we were pontoon boating by the point at Honey Rock Camp (Wheaton College Camp) where, at age 11, I asked Christ into my heart & life. The Lord so so good, and I imagine Him saying, “Well done, my child. Enter into the rest prepared for you”
Barb, Russell, Bruce, Jeanne and families. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom. She was One-Of -A-Kind! I was blessed to have known her (for almost 60 years) she was such a joy to be around. Heaven gained a beautiful Angel; she will be watching over all of us making sure we stay positive and kind.
So very sad to loose a great lady! Don & I look forward to celebrating her tomorrow. She had a wonderful life and all her kids took such good care of her. Such a blessing. She was so sweet, so kind, and so vibrant! She is a person to look up to. Now she is with all her friends – her husband, Russ Gasaway and Rick Genge, Bev & Bill, my parents, Chet & MaryJane, and so many, many more. Hoping there is a big party to welcome her to heaven. Let’s celebrate Marianne!