Margaret L. (Farmer) Dropek

Margaret Louise Dropek (née Farmer) was called home to her Heavenly Father on December 26, 2021 at the age of 99. 

Marge will be interred at Marseilles Riverview Cemetery with a family graveside dedication. A celebration of life will be held at Marseilles United Methodist Church on Marge’s 100th birthday anniversary; March 27th, 2022 at 2 PM.

She was born on March 27, 1922 to Herman and Mary Estelle Farmer and was the youngest of six children. Marge’s early years were spent in Seneca, Illinois during the Great Depression. Her family moved to Cambridge, Illinois where she graduated from high school. Her father’s railroad work ultimately took them back to Seneca where Marge lived and cared for her mother until she met, as she says “the love of her life Ken Dropek." She and Ken married on August 26,1943. That was a few days before he left for his WW II 8TH Army Air Corps service. While Ken was serving as a top turret gunner/flight engineer, Marge worked at the Nabisco Carton factory in Marseilles, Illinois and then the Seneca Shipyards building LST's (Landing Ship Tank) supporting the war effort. She worked first as a time clerk then transferred to the electrical shop as a machinist. Marge traveled with Ken as he finished his obligation to the service until they began their family which ultimately was four children. They settled in Marseilles.

Marge was always an active participant in whatever her children were involved in: Sunday School, church children’s choir director for 39 years (even after her own children were no longer involved), Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and often a room mom, PTA president (a few times) as well as a band mom. Marge's love of music was shared during her long-time service in the adult choir at the Marseilles United Methodist Church.

When all four children left home, Marge worked at the Marseilles Cleaners and then for 11 years at the Marseilles Chamber of Commerce. In 2006, she sold the house on Washington Street that she and Ken had built in the mid-40s and moved to Epworth Village in Ottawa, Illinois. She moved from Ottawa to Sandy, Utah in 2015 to be closer to more family and medical facilities.

She is survived by her children Barbara Lockwood (David), Janet Riccio (Dennis), Richard (Pamela), and Kenneth (Gail), 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Marge may send a donation to the Marseilles United Methodist Church 462 Church Street Marseilles, IL 61341 or Epworth United Methodist Church, 627 Gentleman Road, Ottawa, IL 61350.

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