Marjorie Jane Kjol's Obituary
Marjorie Jane (Midge) Kjol died peacefully on June 5, 2011. She was the daughter of Bernard and Lucille Burke of Milwaukee, WI and sister of Bernard Burke of West Allis, WI and Nancy Leto of Springdale, AR. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gunnar Kjol. She is survived by their four children: John K. and Patricia A Kjol of Dunnellon, FL, Robert and Patricia Kjol of Wittenberg, WI, Bruno and Randa (Kjol) Gravanti of Tampa, FL and Terry and Karina Kjol of Houston, TX. She was the proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Midge was a member of First United Methodist Church of Springdale where she was a past president of UMW and was an active member and sometimes teacher of her Sunday school class. She was a former discussion leader in Bible Study Fellowship and currently led a home Bible study.
Midge was an active and untiring volunteer. Her second home in Springdale was the Arts Center of the Ozarks where she faithfully served for 30 years as seamstress, usher, and member of Friends of the ACO. She also gave many years of service to the Jones Center for Families where she was active on the Senior Life committee, called Bingo, and taught sewing.
An avid and passionate writer, poet, lecturer and storyteller, Midge loved sharing stories of her life and adventures in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Nepal as well as stories of growing up in Milwaukee, WI and early married life in North Dakota. At a family reunion just a few weeks ago, Midge proudly presented her latest project, The Sound of Jackals, which is the story of her early life, marriage to Gunnar and their first overseas assignment in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Many will miss her as a loyal friend, encourager, compassionate listener and straight forward advice giver.
A celebration of her life will be planned at a later date. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to The Arts Center of the Ozarks, PO Box 725, Springdale, AR 72765.
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