Marion Rutae Lochbihler, known affectionally as “Mare,” was gifted life on August 5, 1922.
After a rich and full life — living over 101 years — she passed peacefully from this Earth, received by our Lord and Savior, on March 22, 2024.
Born and raised in Chicago, Marion was the only child of Vincent and Marie Rutkauskas. Her father, a self-made Who’s Who lawyer who had immigrated from Lithuania with only 19 cents in his pockets, was 54 years old at the time of Marion’s birth: her mother 34 years old.
She was homeschooled early in life, her parents hoping to provide her a “jump start” in education. Their efforts rewarded, at the age of six Marion entered grade school and was immediately placed into third grade. Her parents also encouraged her musical training. Playing violin and piano with various musical ensembles would feature prominently throughout her life.
Her father purchased a violin for her before school age, and a grand piano at age eight. During high school, Marion played in the All-State Orchestra in Urbana, Illinois. She attended summer camp at the International Music Camp at Interlochen, Michigan, playing Sunday concerts on the radio. At age 15, she formed an all-girls nine-piece swing band. They joined with the Chicago Musician’s Union and played at weekend dances and clubs throughout Chicago. Marion also graduated high school at age fifteen. She then enrolled with and graduated from the University of Chicago and the Art Institute of Chicago at age 19 with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She continued her education, pursuing graduate studies in Journalism.
Upon completion of her degrees, Marion began work as an assistant buyer for Chicago’s Marshall Fields. At Fields, Marion met Frederick L. Lochbihler, then Field’s divisional manager. Frederick and Marion were wed on December 31, 1948.
Marion and Fred started their life together by purchasing a Frank Lloyd Wright house (known as the Armstrong House) in Ogden Dunes, Indiana. Mare loved the home and would reminisce about it fondly in later years. After the birth of four children – Fred, Lyn, Vince, and David – the couple moved from Ogden Dunes to nearby Chesterton, and finally took up residence in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Marion’s parents would reside with her, Fred, and their children until Vincent and Marie passed at 96 and 103, respectively.
Once all her children were school age, Marion gleefully went to work! She first worked as a sales director and news editor for Wolf and Dessauer retail store. But she was on the move. Perhaps Mare’s favorite job was at Parkview Memorial Hospital, the largest health center in the Fort Wayne area. At Parkview, she was Public Relations Director and Publications Editor for two hospital magazines. Here, she also met and became fast friends with Bill Werner and Daisy Strong. The three would remain dearest of friends for life.
Once Fred (eleven years Mare’s senior) reached 60, the two retired to Sun City Center, Florida to live the good life. In Florida, Marion continued to work. Her most interesting job was for the Sun City developer, shepherding 32 volunteers who showed the development homes to retirees as Sun City grew and matured. She also played violin in Sun City’s thirty-piece chamber orchestra.
Upon her husband Fred’s passing, Mare became a snowbird, moving to Glenview, Illinois where her son Fred had purchased her a condo. Mare loved summering in Glenview and wintering in Sun City, traveling with cats Max and Bif in tow. Always full of energy, she had friends in both locations with whom she enjoyed playing music, cards, and golf.
Finally, Marion moved to the Milwaukee area, where son Fred and his family had a second home. From Fox Point to Luther Haven, she then took up residence at Luther Manor. Well-known at Luther Manor, she made many friends and won many a card games, her favorites being sheepshead, cribbage, and gin rummy. To the end, Marion remained ‘sharp as a tack,’ a truly impressive and bright personality.
Marion is survived by her four children, Fred (Whitney) Lochbihler of Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI, Vince (Judy) Lochbihler of Fort Wayne, IN, Lyn Stadish of Fort Wayne, IN, and David Lochbihler of Warrenton, VA. She is survived by four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Marion was preceded in death, and joins with her father, Vincent Rutkauskas, mother, Marie Rutkauskas, husband, Frederick L. Lochbihler, and many close friends. Her remains will be laid to rest both near her beloved cats Max and Bif, and with her husband Fred, interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
Gathering will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 3:00 – 4:00 PM.
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