Marjorie Bichler

Marjorie Bichler of Port Washington, a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away surrounded by her loving family in the evening hours of Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. She was 88 years old.

Marge was born in Port Washington on April 26, 1936, the daughter of Alfred and Agnes (nee Lorge) Zausch.

She grew up in Port Washington and graduated from Port Washington High School with the Class of 1954.

On Sept.18, 1954, she married Richard “Rick” Bichler at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington.  The couple had 67 wonderful years together until Rick’s passing in 2021.

The center of Marge and Rick’s family was their son Michael, who was born with special needs. Marge felt, “children with special needs aren’t sent to special parents, they make parents special.” She was a strong supporter of the Friendship Group, a community service organization that advocated for people born with special needs.

She was a lifelong member of St. John XXIII Catholic Parish (St. Mary’s), where she embraced her faith and community with genuine love and kindness. Marge was a longtime member of the Christian Women, enjoyed reading and loved to watch the Hallmark Channel and a variety of sports on TV.

Marge taught her family that the best lesson in life was laughter, which she shared immensely with her grandchildren.  Through them she was crowned “their queen.”

For the last three years, Marge lived at the Harbor Club, where she was known as an ambassador. She proudly welcomed residents, friends and visitors to view and enjoy her seasonal tree.

Marge is survived by her five children, Susan Bichler Klarner, Sandra Oiler, Katherine (Dr. Gary) Preisler, Randy (Daniel Benkovich) and Mark Bichler. She is further survived by nine grandchildren, Kevin Roell, Devin Klarner, SFC Bryce Klarner, Chad Mueller, Chase Mueller, Cole Mueller, Jacqueline Leonardo, Valerie Vos and Andrea Preisler McKee; 20 great-grandchildren; her two sisters-in-law, Viola (the late Bill) Zausch and Beverly (the late Harold) Bichler; brother-in-law David (the late Shelby) Bichler; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her son Michael, her sisters Mary Jane, Ethel and Barbara and brothers Bill, Bob and Jimmy.

Funeral services for Marge will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025, at St. John XXIII Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 451 N. Johnson St., Port Washington. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:30 a.m. to noon, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at noon.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband Rick and son Michael at St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery, Port Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. John XXIII Parish, Port Washington.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Bichler family.

Online condolences may be left at eernissefuneralhome.com.