Marion Dorothy Springer

Marion Dorothy Springer, 97 passed away on April 20, 2024 in Bartlesville, OK at the Journey Home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born to Walter and Pansie (Holbrook) Gardner on February 28, 1927, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Marion moved to Winnebago at a young age with her family, where she attended school in a one room schoolhouse in Winnebago and actively assisted with chores on the family farm, fostering a strong work ethic from a young age.

Marion met her first love, Maurice Springer, at a dance, and on January 31, 1948, they were united in marriage at the Winnebago Lutheran Church. Together, they raised their family in Freeborn, Minnesota, where Marion devoted herself to the role of a proud homemaker until her youngest child started school. As she ventured outside the home she worked at Banquet Foods, the USDA as a meat inspector, Hormel Foods, and also as a bus driver for Alden Schools, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her work.  Later, Marion found joy in delivering campers throughout the United States for Winnebago Industries, often taking her grandchildren along for the ride to share her love for exploration.  

A skilled seamstress, she stitched garments, from dresses to flannel shirts, and even a wedding dress for her granddaughter. Her passion for quilting was unmatched, producing numerous quilts that became treasured heirlooms for her family. A diligent gardener, she grew a bountiful garden and preserved its harvest for her family to enjoy year-round

As a caretaker, Marion selflessly tended to her loved ones, notably nursing her daughter Deloris through the trials of polio and offering unwavering support to her husband Maurice until his passing in 1980.  In 1988, Marion married Marvin Mathwig, and they continued to live together in Freeborn until 2017 when they transitioned to Bancroft Estates in Albert Lea, MN. Despite her enduring love for her home in Freeborn, declining health made maintaining the residence a challenge, marking the end of an era filled with beautiful memories.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Robert Springer, Charlotte (Dan) Connors, and Sharon Casebier; grandchildren, Jim Springer, Scott (Nicole) Springer, Terry (Noelyn) Springer, Faith (Jeff) McDonald, Tracy (Dwight) Langford, Samantha (James) Scott, Uriah (Lareasha) Connors, Jason (Amanda) Casebier, Michael (Jessica) Casebier, and Alex Sindt; 30 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; half-sister, Sally Dudycha; and her loving pup, Peanut.

Marion was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Maurice in 1980 and Marvin in 2017; daughter, Deloris Sindt in 2020; son-in-law, Ronald Casebier in 2020; brother, John Gardner; half-sister, Helen Getskow; and half-brothers, Henry and Raymond Schenk.

A funeral service will be held on May 11, 2024 at 1:00 PM at West Freeborn Church in Hartland, MN; Pastor Marcia Pederson will officiate.  Marion’s family will greet guests at a visitation on May 10, 2024, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at West Freeborn Church Cemetery in Hartland, MN.