Marjorie Jane Steingraber

1946 - 2024

Gig Harbor, WA Marge passed away peacefully at Hospice House at University Place, WA with her husband, David and daughter Kate at her side having succumbed to the ravages of Alzheimer's disease.

Marge was born in Polk County, WI to Mary Kathryn (Cline) and Henry Erickson. Henry died at an early age and Marge was raised by her mother and stepfather, Carl Volgren. She grew up on the family farm outside the Village of Balsam Lake and across from Wild Goose Lake, a happy place during her childhood. This is when Marge developed what was to become a lifelong love of horses.

She received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin - Superior. She subsequently received a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Marge met her husband David in Madison while they both worked at the Wisconsin Council on Criminal Justice. They were married in Banff, Alberta, Canada in 1979. Soon, Marge started her career with the Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) working on the early development of community based residential facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The couple lived in Middleton, Menomonee Falls (where daughter Kate was born in 1982) Stoughton and Oregon, Wisconsin. In 1997, they purchased a small horse farm which came to be called Red Horse Hollow. Marge was now able to engage her two great passions: the development of community resources for persons with disabilities and her love of horses. While working full time, she was able to raise, care for, train and competitively ride her horses. She won many awards in local, state, and regional horse shows. Marge was very fond and proud of her Arabian, half-Arabian and Andalusian horses. She was an active member of the Oregon Horse Association and supported 4H equestrian activities. She regularly volunteered at Three Gaits Therapeutic Riding Center in their program of horse related activities and therapies that enhance the lives of people with physical, emotional, and/or intellectual challenges.

In 2011 both Marge and David retired and embarked on an adventurous relocation to California with two of Marge's favorite horses in tow. Settling in the foothills outside San Diego, Marge continued her equestrian activities at their community's International Equestrian Center and volunteering at local therapeutic riding center. The couple also enjoyed travel both domestically and overseas.

As the shadow of Alzheimer's disease descended over Marge, she waw still able maintain a good quality of life. David became her ever present caregiver. Eventually, the couple moved to Gig Harbor, WA to be closer to daughter Kate and her family, husband, Juan Sanchez and daughter, Penelope Jane "Poppy" Sanchez. Marge spent her final time in the loving company of her family and showering a special affection on her granddaughter.

Marge is survived by her immediate family and sisters Susan (Dareld) Lundgren, Merry (Patrick) Cahill, and Karen (Andy) Rohrbach; brothers, Donald (Nancy) Erickson, Steven (Cheryl) Volgren; sister-in-law, Ruth (Thomas) O'Conner and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Edward (Sue) Erickson and Micheal (Michelle) Volgren.

A private memorial service will be held to honor Marge's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Marge's name to Three Gaits Therapeutic Riding Center (Stoughton, WI) Use this link:

https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=UFLELG37WQDFY

Marge Steingraber Memorial to Three Gaits Therapeutic Riding Center