Marge Bellson

Social, outgoing, and fun-loving, Margaret Bellson lived a life of purpose while spending her days with the ones she loved. She was a devout Catholic who used her faith as the compass that directed her steps. Marge was blessed to spend the majority of her life with her true love, and together they experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. She was an amazing cook who loved going over and above for the holidays, and she took great care in tending to the needs of her home. Marge had a thirst for learning new things and made sure that she always looked her best. In everything she did, she carried herself with grace, poise, and a quiet strength that was to be admired. Marge will never be forgotten.

It was more than a century ago that America faced the harsh realities of unsafe working conditions and a lack of child labor laws. With these two things combined, it was often our nation’s youth who paid the highest price for the workplace struggles across the nation. There were also growing monopolies and a middle class that was becoming increasingly more dissatisfied with their lives as time went by. It was during this eventful time that John and Josephine Petschauer were able to shift their focus to a joyous time in their own lives as they welcomed two healthy baby girls into their hearts and home on September 2, 1912. Born in Syracuse, New York, Margaret L. and her twin sister, Jennie, were also joined in their family by their four older brothers. Her father worked for the railroad while her mother was a homemaker.

Even though she was born in New York, Marge was raised in West St. Paul, Minnesota. They were a strong Catholic family, and she attended Catholic schools. Marge frequently played the piano so the nuns would like her. She was a girly girl while her twin sister was more of a tomboy. Marge played tennis and was also a swimmer.

New and exciting changes were in store for Marge when she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Julius Bellson, and they were introduced by her brother. Marge and Julius soon began dating, and over time they fell deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, the sweethearts were married when Marge was in her early twenties. Julius was a talented musician who also taught music and achieved success at the Gibson Music Company, which allowed Marge to stay home. Her skills in the kitchen were amazing, and she made several Italian dishes as her husband was 100 percent Italian. Marge was known for her baked beans that she always brought to gatherings, which was always just fine with everyone there. She was also a fantastic baker and made such yummy fruitcakes during the Christmas season. Perhaps it is because Marge had such a sweet tooth herself as it has been said that she would have eaten dessert first anytime she could get away with it! She always loved the holidays and went all out when it came to decorating the house. Marge had a variety of seasonal decorations and stuffed animals. Although they never had children of their own, she loved doting over all her nieces and nephews, especially her niece, Sue.

Although she loved being at home, Marge did enjoy getting out, too. Both she and Julius played bridge, which was something she continued doing into her nineties. Marge was a gold master player who loved all cards. An avid golfer, she was a member of the Kalamazoo Country Club where she enjoyed socializing with all kinds of people. Although they didn't travel much, every year they made a trip back to Minnesota to visit family, and then once a year their family came to visit Marge and her husband in Kalamazoo. She always loved listening to her husband play music, and her eyes were always twinkling while she listened. Of course Marge was always clapping the loudest, too. She loved watching sports and was a huge fan of the Detroit Lions, the Minnesota Vikings, the Chicago Cubs, and the Minnesota Twins. Marge always knew all the players and stats, and she gave most of the players nicknames as well. Although she loved animals, she never had any of her own, and she was a longtime member of St. Augustine.

There was never anything that was of greater significance in Marge’s life than the people she loved. She never had any health problems to deal with, but she did take one baby aspirin a day. Marge also cared for her husband during his time of need. She and her husband always loved children, and it was so sweet to see how much she and Julius loved one another.

A true people person without an unkind word to say about anyone, Margaret Bellson was a blessing to everyone she met. She was determined, strong, and competitive, but in a good way, and her heart was just as sweet as they come. Together Marge and her husband exemplified what marriage is truly intended to be, and they always sang, “I love you truly,” every night after going to bed. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.

Margaret L. Bellson, of Kalamazoo, died on March 14, 2016, at her home. Marge is survived by her niece, Sue Johnson, and her cousin, David Rose, along with many nieces and nephews. Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Julius Bellson in 1994, and by 4 brothers and her twin sister, Jennie. Services will be held on Saturday 10 a.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 375-2900 where visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Burial at Mt. EverRest Cemetery. Please visit Marge’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Cathedral.