Marge Engelman

Marge Engelman grew up on a farm in Central Illinois during the Depression. Daily life revolved around tending to cows, chickens, and gardens, leading a mule at haying time, building playhouses in empty granaries, and playing with kittens. Her first job was detasseling corn in the sweltering heat of a cornfield.

Marge holds a BA in Sociology, an MA in Religious Education, an MS in Environmental Design, and a PhD in Adult Education. She was on the staff of the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, for 18 years, the last 12 as Director of Outreach/Extension.

Marge has been a pioneer in the field of Creativity and Aging, has authored books on the subject, developed programs for older adults, spoken at national conferences, and taught graduate studies.

She continues to stir her world and the world of others through artworks with gourds and textiles, activist activities on behalf of peace and social justice, and recently published a book, “Nursery Rhymes in Stitches,” that features her designs and stitching on fabric collages.

She was married to Rev. Ken Engelman for 70 years and has two children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Marge is 96 years young.