Marion E. A. Belzer

     Marion Belzer passed away peacefully on January 9, 2024 in the home she loved on Madison’s west side. The daughter of Philip Bangert and Jacoba Itallie, Marion was born May 5, 1930 in Surabaya, Indonesia and lived a full and adventurous life. After her early years in Indonesia, Marion lived in Holland, South Africa, and Paris before marrying Folkert O. Belzer, her high school sweetheart, in Holland in 1956.

   After their wedding, the young couple moved to Boston, MA where Marion worked in a variety of positions while Folkert attended medical school. After he finished medical school, the young couple lived in New Haven, CT, Portland, OR and London, England before moving to Mill Valley, CA in 1964. Marion and Folkert welcomed four children and in 1974, the family moved to Madison, WI to the house they built where Marion remained until her death.

   During her time in Madison, Marion was engaged in a variety of activities including volunteering at Attic Angels and the Ronald McDonald House. She enjoyed playing tennis, gardening and participating in a variety of clubs with friends and neighbors who she adored. During her later years, Marion would often comment on how fortunate she felt to have lived such a full and interesting life. Living in Madison for the past 50 years was a constant reminder how beautiful life is and how grateful she was for her place in it.

   Marion is preceded in death by her parents, husband Folkert Belzer; two brothers: Philip and Pim Bangert; and son-in-law Steven Keiser. She is survived by her children: Ingrid Keiser, John, Eric (Anne), and Paul (Tiffany) Belzer; and grandchildren: Sylvia (Trevor) Long and Monika Keiser, Annika, Conor and Julian Belzer, Ali, Will and Cate Belzer, Jack and Ava Belzer. Marion is also survived by her brother-in-law George Belzer; and sister-in-law Lia Twigg, (Charles – preceded in death).

   Marion’s long life can be partially attributed to enjoying her nightly Gin & Tonic and her feathery companion, Coco the Cockatoo.

   A private family service was held and a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date (and hopefully warmer time) for family and friends. Memorials may be made to a meaningful charity of the donor’s choosing.

We welcome you to share your memories of Marion here on her Tribute Wall.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406