Marcia Hope Dalkert

Marcia Hope Dalkert, 85, passed away peacefully with her family around her on April 3, 2026. Born December 2, 1940, in Greenfield, Illinois, on her family’s farm to Kenneth and Virginia Cole, where Marcia cared for and showed horses. She attended Illinois Weslyn University in Bloomington, Illinois, graduating with a degree in fine arts.

On June 8, 1963, Marcia married Charles Dalkert and the two spent 41 wonderful years together, until his passing in 2004. She was devoted to her husband and the family they created together. Marcia is survived by her son, Stefan and his wife, Betsy, and their children, grandchildren she adored, June, Gwendolyn, and Stefan Thomas Charles. Marcia is also survived by her daughter, Melissa and her husband Jeffrey, and her sister and brother-in-law Jayne and Jim McCarthy.

She created through art, painting in oils and watercolors, drawing, playing in a bell choir, quilting, and was an avid gardener. Marcia was an art teacher early in her career and was a trusted mentor to her students. She returned to school to become an industrial designer, working on automobile transmissions in Ithaca New York before moving to Milwaukee and P&H where she helped to create massive machinery, earning a patent.

Marcia was kind. She didn’t just hear, she listened and was there for family and friends, supporting, helping, and when needed, advocating for them. Now, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Dementia, she is her true self again. Marcia will be missed.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to:
Alzheimer’s Association, Epilepsy Foundation, or to the Chicago Botanic Garden

Memorial Visitation:
1 PM to 3 PM Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL

Memorial Service:
3 PM Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL
Interment will follow at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo, IL
Followed by dinner at Geno's at 114 W. Mill St. in Waterloo, IL