Marjorie Standiford Wambolt

In the early hours on Tuesday, December 11, 2024 Marjorie Mae Wambolt went to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ.
She was born to Chester “Chet” Standiford and Carrie Hand Standiford on September 25, 1934; she was the firstborn daughter and older sister to 10 younger siblings. She grew up helping her dad around their homestead and attending a one-room school to which she rode on horseback until her siblings started to attend. Then she became the chauffeur of the family tractor, fitted with a special box for hauling her younger sisters and brothers along. She became a follower of Jesus when she and her sister, Frances were taken to Vacation Bible School by one of their teachers.
She was an intelligent and caring young woman, strong, reliable and faithful. She left her home in Hayes, South Dakota to go to school in Philip at age 13, and throughout her high school years, worked and supported younger siblings as they came to town for their higher education.
Marjorie met Edward Wambolt in December of 1953 in Philip, South Dakota, while she was employed as a secretary for a lawyer, and their whirlwind romance culminated in marriage on August 15, 1954. Together they moved to Minnesota where they raised five children of their own, and continued to host their own siblings as they grew up and moved into the world.
Marj was talented in many ways. She cooked, sewed, cared for her children and Ed, and after joining Cedarcrest Free Methodist Church felt called to use her amazing secretarial skills as the secretary there. When she found her home church in Minnesota, she devoted herself to her family there as well. She excelled as church secretary, but also organized, hosted, envisioned and executed many events at church including ladies retreats, children's programs, missions and plays and served on many committees, going to church conferences, joining the ladies to host weddings, funerals and many other functions. She was steadfast and loving, handling many tasks at once with grace and efficiency.
She also passed her creative skills to her children. She sang many, many solos and participated in choirs and groups at church. Many times she would hum a tune and not even be aware she was doing it! She sewed her children's clothes, took an avid interest in her mother's quilting and raised three out of four daughters to be amazing seamstresses. Although she denied being a wonderful cook, she brought delicious dishes to potluck and her desserts and treats tempted all. She gathered and read many cookbooks and recipes, and her children followed in her footsteps. She enjoyed collecting family photos, cataloging and preserving her family history. She was so pleased when daughter, Linda, pulled together and published The Wambolt Family Cookbook.
Marj had many friends over the years, people were drawn to her caring nature and her witty humor. She smiled and laughed easily, she made everyone feel welcomed and loved. Marj was married to Ed for 64 years when he passed away on May 1, 2019. She is survived by her five children: Janice (Jeff) Lastovich, Debra (Donovan) Strohbehn, Linda (Kevin) Neitzke, Bruce (Cheryl) Wambolt, and Wendy Beager, her 14 grandchildren and her 11 great grandchildren. Her sisters: Jean (Johnny) Sharp and Betty (Leo) Nemec.  Her brothers:  Bill Standiford, Don (Daphne) Standiford, Bob Standiford, Ken (Barbara) Standiford.