Marjorie Claire Sarles

Marjorie Claire Sarles, 93, of Grafton passed away on Aug. 8, 2025, after a valiant struggle with heart disease.

Midge is survived by her children Susan, Katherine and William (Amy) Sarles; seven grandchildren, Joshua Bonaparte, Molly (Alec) Rilling, Jessica (Colton) Mathews, Megan (Alex) Ehlers, Emily (Shane) Moore, William O’Connell and Matthew (Paula) O’Connell; and four great-grandchildren.

Midge was born in Marshfield, Wis., in 1931. 

She was named valedictorian of her grade one-through-eight, one-room schoolhouse and was also valedictorian of her high school class in Marinette, Wis. She went on to attend Lawrence University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she met her loving husband, William Bowen Sarles Jr. They shared 61 years of marriage before Bill’s passing in 2015.

Midge obtained her degree in comparative literature, and you would rarely find her without a book in hand. She was an avid reader with a passion for the cadence within the writings of Shakespeare. Other interests included listening to New York Metropolitan Opera radio productions, crocheting baby blankets for her many grand and great-grandchildren and spending time at the Sarles family cabin on Forest Beach  along Lake Michigan.

While raising three children, Midge was employed as an account assistant for a bank in Fox Point and later as an administrative assistant for Herb Hillman, CPA, where she worked until her retirement at 87 years old.

Midge will be truly missed and much beloved for her radiant smile, grace, selflessness, astute intelligence, unconditional love for her family and the ability to rise above. She was simply the best.

Midge was proceeded in death by her granddaughter Leah Bonaparte, husband Bill, sister Beverly and her parents Edmond and Viola Thuss.

A private memorial will be held for her immediate family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Forest Beach Migratory Preserve, 4970 Country Club Rd., Port Washington, WI 53074.

For online condolences, please go to MuellerFuneralHome.com.

Mueller Funeral Home, Cedarburg, assisted the family with arrangements.