Josephine G. Marner

Josephine G. Marner, 94, Arthur IL, was born to George J. “Boss” and Anna (Miller) Marner on June 14, 1931 on the family farm east of Arthur, Douglas County, Illinois. For the past 3 years, Josephine resided at Eberhardt Village in Arthur, and enjoyed good health until July of this year. She died at 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon IL.

Josephine grew up on the family farm and attended East Prairie Grade School, a one-room schoolhouse. In her early 20s, eager to explore the world, Josephine traveled to Colorado with a friend for the summer. They worked at a hotel, sleeping on the hotel’s porch, and using every spare moment discovering the Great American West. The following summer, Josephine returned to Colorado alone and remained there for 35 years. The Simpich family, famous for their line of handmade dolls, discovered Josephine’s talent as a seamstress and hired her to make hats and clothes for the dolls.

The nieces and nephews Josephine left behind in Illinois anticipated her trip back home every Christmas, usually braving snow-packed and icy roads, but always gifting each child with a book or a subscription to educational material such as “Boys Life”. She was definitely the favorite aunt of the Marner family.

Wanderlust struck Josephine with a passion when she was in her mid-20s. She climbed Pikes Peak on foot, riding on a mule and also on the Cog Railroad and by car. She also visited many countries and went on an African safari, sleeping in tents with armed guards outside protecting the participants from lions and other wild beasts. She was a member of Volkssmarch International, participating and planning organized walking events virtually all over the world.

Upon retirement, Josephine moved back to the Arthur area in the early 1990s, but she remained very active in civic organizations such as the Association of Commerce, Arthur Woman’s Club, Home Extension, Mennonite Relief Sale (as a furniture duster extraordinaire) and quilting groups. She could be found downtown annually at the Cheese Festival selling quilt raffle tickets. She was very dedicated to serving the Lord at Arthur Mennonite Church where she was a member for almost 35 years.

Josephine is predeceased by her parents, sister and brother-in-law Edna G. Helmuth and her husband BJK Helmuth, nephew George B. Helmuth, brothers Frederick G. Marner and John G. Marner and sister-in-law Katie (Beachy) Marner, and nephews Valentine J. “Felty” Marner and Reuben Hostetler. Surviving are nephews JB (Alta) Helmuth, Andrew J. (Lynn) Marner, Daniel J. (Irene) Marner, and nieces Sarah Ann (Steve) Henry, Dorothy Hostetler, Lorene Helmuth and Lydiamae Marner.

Visitation will be at Arthur Mennonite Church, 710 E. Park Street, Arthur IL, on Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, October 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the same place. Edwards Funeral Home of Arcola IL is assisting the family with arrangements.

The family wishes to express their appreciation for the loving care Josephine received at Eberhardt Village and for the support and concern shown by the Arthur Mennonite Church pastors and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Arthur Mennonite Church, 710 E. Park St., Arthur IL 61911.