Pike Township Family Stories
MARIE MILDER KAALBERG
Nichols, Iowa Centennial Book 1884-1984, page 345
By Marie KaalbergMarie Kaalberg was one of the grand marshals for the Nichols Day parade in 1983. She retired after spending 27 years in the teaching profession.
Marie was born March 22 in rural Nichols to Stephen G. Milder and Emma Koeppen Milder, both are now deceased. Her father lived his entire life in Johnson and Muscatine counties; her mother lived in Muscatine until her marriage.
Marie received her early education in the Siloam school in Wapsinonoc township. She graduated from Nichols High school and received her pre-professional teacher’s certification from Ottumwas Heights college in Ottumwa, Iowa. She continued her education through the years by taking courses and attending seminars and summer school sessions at Drake University, University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University and Phoenix Junior college in Arizona. She received her B.A. degree from The University of Iowa in 1965.
Marie taught in Athens school from 1933 to 1936. She married Frank J. Kaalberg on 18 August 1936. Their family consisted of Dolores Kaalberg Suchomel of Mt. Vernon, Iowa; Kathleen Kaalberg Pettigrew of San Bernardino, California; Sister Ramona Kaalberg at Marycrest college in Davenport, Iowa; and Gayle Kaalberg, farming the home place between Nichols and West Liberty. Marie’s husband, Frank, died several years ago.
From 1957 to 1958 Marie was in Phoenix, and she did substitute teaching while she was living there. The family returned to Nichols, and Marie taught in the Nichols school in the elementary grades until her retirement.
Marie has been active as a 4-H leader for seven years and was chosen to be an honorary member of 4-H. She has helped with religious education for 13 years and has worked as a volunteer at Muscatine General Hospital for 27 years. In 1976 Marie received the Teacher of the Year award.
Marie is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic church and St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society, Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, Business and Professional Women and Alpha Delta Kappa, teachers’ sorority. Her special interests involve her church work, music, reading and travel.
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