Born: March 31, 1916

Died: Sept. 20, 2012

Marie B. Guse, 96, of Cassopolis, passed away at her home Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012.

Marie’s life began March 31, 1916, in Benton Harbor the daughter of Julius C. and Bertha (Gnodtke) Guse. She was baptized and confirmed in St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Benton Harbor. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1933 and started working at J.C. Penney Co. after graduation. Marie had worked there for 47 1/2 years as the office manager and bookkeeper. She moved to Dowagiac in 1980 and lived with her mother and brother in their home.

She enjoyed visiting with her family and going to the “Gnodtke Cousin’s Lunch.” Marie was known as “Tanta” to all the children, she shared family history and interesting stories of her life and happenings in Benton Harbor. She was the “Candy Mouse” to the children and she always had a treat to share when anyone visited. She was a very gracious and determined lady and she took pride in her independence by living in her own home.

Her loving family includes her brother and sister-in-law, R. James and Barbara Guse; nephew and nieces, Bob and Susan Guse, Sarah and Jake Brown, Rebecca Guse and her son, Cameron Guse, James Guse, Hannah Guse, Sheryl and Ellis Butler, Steven Butler, Sandy and Chris Tidey, Hollie and Heather Olson, Linda Bradley, Taylor and Nick Bradley, Lori and Don Day, Drake and Greta Day.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Arthur and Edward Guse; sisters, Ruth and Lois Guse.

Her family gathered with friends Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, MI 49047. Her funeral service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 603 McCleary St., Dowagiac, MI 49047 with theh Rev. Jeffrey Weber officiating. Burial will be in Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dowagiac, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Benton Harbor or Michigan Lutheran High School, St. Joseph.

Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Marie at www.yazel-clark.com.