Obituary
Marjorie Anne King Gaule (October 16, 1932 to November 18, 2023), of Chatham, is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, William; her four children — Deborah Seelhoefer (Leroy), Cynthia Bryan, Michael Gaule and Patricia Kane Gaule (Kim Osgood); eight grandchildren — Greg Seelhoefer, Jill Seelhoefer Babulal, Lara Seelhoefer Bartels, Ben Bryan, Will Bryan, Rachel Bryan Cangello, Jenna Gaule and Griffin Gaule; and eight great-grandchildren — Arya, Andrew and Ahna Seelhoefer; Victoria, Teddy and Max Babulal; Emma Bartels and Finley Cangello.
Marge was born in Auburn, IL, to Ada and Charles Halford King. She graduated salutatorian from Auburn High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, played tenor saxophone in all the bands, and performed in various choirs, musicals and plays. She was a wonderful pianist and had a beautiful soprano voice. Early on, she sang in a popular trio that enjoyed doing shows throughout the area. Her entire life, she loved every minute of performing. She was really a “ham” at heart and especially loved to do comedy and character parts.
Marge met and quickly fell in love with Bill; they eloped on July 4, 1953, marrying in a little church in Godfrey, IL. She worked for Prudential Insurance and the Illinois Tuberculosis Association before turning her attention full-time to raising their family. Eventually, she started working with Bill as the cashier for his auction business and did so until he retired. She prided herself in balancing every auction “to the penny.”
Marge was the President of the National Auction Association Auxiliary and is a member of its Hall of Fame in recognition of her many contributions to the auction business. She also served as the President of the Chatham Junior Women’s Club and the Chatham Women’s Club, and helped establish the Chatham Public Library.
For more than 20 years, Marge was the organist and choir director at the Chatham Christian Church, then took on that role for several years at South Side Christian Church in Springfield. She also performed with the trio “The Sweet Spirit” that sang for approximately 20 years presenting musical programs for area nursing homes and churches. She loved gardening, sewing, arts and crafts, and making everything beautiful. Music, especially Christmas music, was a large part of her life, and in her words, “Hopefully, that will continue for eternity.”
Visitation will be from 10am until time of services at 11am, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at Concordia Village Chapel. Burial will be in Chatham Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Legacy Youth Scholarship Committee (National Auction Foundation).
Events
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Springfiel, IL 62711
11:00 AM
Springfiel, IL 62711