Marjorie Rothenberger

Marjorie Ann (Austin) Rothenberger, a devoted wife, mother, and sister, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at the age of 87.

There are currently no services at this time.

Born on February 21, 1938, in Clark County, SD, Marge was the daughter of Harland and Esther (Gehrke) Austin. She grew up on a farm, where she learned the values of hard work, resilience, and kindness. She graduated from Willow Lake High School in 1956.

After high school, Marge moved to Pierre, SD, where she began working for the state and met her future husband, Dale Rothenberger. They were married on November 10, 1957, in Willow Lake, SD, beginning a lifelong partnership. Their life took them to several towns—Pierre, Watertown, SD, Appleton, MN, and Clara City, MN—before they settled in Marshall, MN, in 1978. There, Marge worked for the State of Minnesota at Southwest State University until her retirement in 1996. In 2001, she and Dale returned to Watertown, eventually moving to Sioux Falls in 2021.

Marge had a quiet strength and a gift for making everyday life special. As a talented seamstress, she crafted beautifully detailed Halloween costumes for her two sons, creating treasured memories. Her baking was just as remarkable—no birthday passed without one of her lovingly decorated cakes, each crafted with precision and care. She also found joy in crafting, scrapbooking, coffee with friends, playing cards, and discovering new hobbies. Marge and her husband, Dale, shared a love for travel, spending many winters in Arizona and enjoying life’s adventures together.

Marge is survived by her sons, Stacey Rothenberger of Sioux Falls and Tracey Rothenberger of Sioux Falls; as well as her sisters, Sandy Eschenbaum of Selby, SD, and LaVonne Neuharth of Mechanicsville, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Dale; her sister, LaDonna Meester; and her brother, Richard Austin.

Marge’s legacy is one of love, creativity, and devotion—a reminder that the greatest impact often comes from the simplest, most heartfelt moments.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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