Marie Elizabeth (Wascher) Thalner (1918-2011)

Obituary

Marie loved to spend time with family and friends, especially at the family cottage at Higgins Lake; in early years cooking all the meals for the family, and in later years enjoying the sunshine from a lawn chair. After 92 years of an active life, Marie passed away on Tuesday February 8, 2011. Born on August 13, 1918 in Flint, Michigan, Marie attended high school in Flint and later began studies at Michigan State University, while her sweetheart Robert Thalner attended the University of Michigan. On June 14, 1941 she and Bob married and started what would be 58 yrs of marriage. Marie and Bob raised their children and had an active church and social life while living in New Jersey, Indiana, New York, and Massachusetts. In 1965 they returned to Ann Arbor, where they started Thalner Electronic Laboratories. Bob handled the new product design, sales and distribution, while Marie handled the bookkeeping, and they grew the business into a thriving enterprise. Bob and Marie were both active in the First Presbyterian Church and with their many social activities with friends and neighbors. After many successful years, they sold the business to their employees, moved to a retirement community in Jackson, and were able to retire to spend more time at their cottage. After Bob passed away in 1999, Marie continued to enjoy summers at the cottage with her family. Marie is survived by three children, Virginia Spencer, Thomas Thalner and Deborah Thalner and by five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. In lieu of a memorial service, Marie requested a family gathering, which will be held in the springtime at her favorite location, Higgins Lake. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Robert R. Thalner Fund at Roscommon County Community Foundation. www.muehligannarbor.com