We honor and celebrate the life of Marie A. Northey, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the age of 82, in West Bend, Wisconsin. Though her time on this earth has come to a close, the impact of her life, her kindness, and her legacy continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.

Marie was born on January 3, 1943, in Watseka, Illinois, to Carl and Mae (Cramer) Steiner. She spent her childhood in Buckley, Illinois, Her family moved to Johnson Creek, Wisconsin in February of 1953  where she attended Jefferson High School graduating in 1961.

With a deep love for learning and an even greater love for teaching, Marie pursued her degree in education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she later earned her master's degree as well. Her commitment to education was more than a career—it was a calling. Marie spent many years teaching in the Jefferson School District, guiding generations of students. Marie’s grace, patience, and unwavering support made her the teacher students remembered decades later.

On August 8,1964 she married Earl Northey at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Farmington, Wisconsin. Their life together was deeply tied to the farm and the farming community. As a couple, Marie and Earl not only worked the land—they lived by its values: resilience, patience, and generosity. Marie was not just a farmer’s wife, she was a partner in every sense.

Marie was an active member of Farm Bureau, where she served as both a leader and a volunteer. She believed in advocating, for education, and for the strong, supportive networks that held farming families together. Her involvement in the Farm Bureau connected her with others who shared her passion for stewardship and community service. It was through this work that Marie extended her influence beyond the classroom and into the heart of Wisconsin’s agricultural community.

Marie and Earl had a son, Sam.  daughter-in-law Ellen, and her grandchildren, Zachary and Megan, who brought her immeasurable joy. Marie delighted in family, and phone calls. She was, simply put, a devoted mother and grandmother.

Following Earl’s passing, Marie found companionship again in her later years with her husband, Ernie Koch. Their bond brought comfort, peace, and renewed happiness.

Marie will be remembered for her photos, her spirit, and her passion for life and shoes. Marie lived a life of perseverance and strength. She carried with her a steady faith, a kind word for everyone, and a firm belief in the goodness of people.

She is survived by her loving son, Sam (Ellen) Northey of Circle Pines, Minnesota; and her treasured grandchildren, Zachary and Megan.   She is survived by her  sister Marge (Bob) Pope; her niece Sarah (John) Forbes, and their son Wes , niece Katie Pope; as well as many cousins, extended family members, and friends who were blessed to know her. Also survived by her second husband Ernst Koch. She is remembered fondly by extended family, dear friends, former students, and a community that she helped shape in countless unseen ways.

Marie is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Earl Northey; her parents, Carl and Mae Steiner; and other cherished family members who now welcome her home, including cousins, and loved ones she missed dearly.

Marie’s earthly remains will be laid to rest beside her first love, Earl, in the quiet peace of Farmington Cemetery, Wisconsin, a fitting final resting place for someone who sowed so much love and light in the world.

No need to send flowers—if you’d like to honor Marie, cards and memorial gifts can be sent to the Northey Memorial Fund. The family is being served by the Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home. To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please visit www.olsen-gibson.com.

Today, we remember not just the years Marie lived, but the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the legacy she leaves behind.