Marjorie (Carpenter) Meinecke, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the age of 98.

A celebration of Marjorie’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville, KS, for family and friends as we honor her enduring impact on our lives with stories, laughter, and, of course, an abundance of love—just as she would have wanted. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.

Pallbearers are Dan Duever, Gary Duever, Mike Duever, Tony Duever, Mark Sandmann, and Tim Hill.

Honorary pallbearers are Dale Meinecke and Bob Sandmann.

Burial will follow in the Marysville City Cemetery.

Born on March 1, 1927, in Marysville, Kansas, to Jake and Sophia Carpenter, Marjorie was the youngest of six siblings, cherished by her older brothers Benny, Bill, and Charles, as well as her two loving sisters, Dorothy and Mary.

Marjorie’s loving and adventurous spirit led her to marry Vance Meinecke of Marysville on September 24, 1944, shortly after he bravely joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. Together, they welcomed five precious children into the world: Rickey Meinecke and Janet (Meinecke) Gaugh of Overland Park, Kansas, Robert Meinecke of Kilgore, Texas, Jeanne (Meinecke) Chaple, who passed in December 2025 and cherished daughter, Patty Meinecke, who sadly left this earth after a valiant battle with breast cancer. Other children that were deeply affected by her love were her grandchildren: Michelle de la Garza, Bobby Meinecke, Iljana Lucarelli, Sabaria Christie, Bryce Gaffar (deceased), Vance Gaffar, and Alyschia Gaffar. She leaves nine great grandchildren.

Throughout her vibrant life, Marjorie embraced the challenging yet rewarding roles of homemaker, mother, and wife with unwavering grace and steadfast belief. In an era when times were often tough, she exemplified resilience, thriving within the comforts of simplicity. Her exceptional talents saw her create beautiful quilts, crocheted scarfs and hats (for newborns, servicemen and family), painted porcelain figurines, crafted handmade clothes, made cozy garments, baked and decorated cakes, and portrayed the beauty of nature through self-taught painting. She loved to dance with her husband at Club 36 in Marysville, Kansas, during the Big Band Era.

Marjorie’s wonderful ability to cherish the good in others was legendary—remarkably, she often professed, “I have never hated anyone in my life.” Her calming presence was felt by everyone who was fortunate enough to cross her path. When her family moved to Kansas City in 1968 amid the nations turmoil in that year, she remained a steadfast beacon of hope for those around her. Her faith in humanity inspired friends and family alike.

Marjorie maintained close relationships over the years, nurturing her connections with friends and relatives through heartfelt cards filled with affection and personal notes. Her generosity of spirit blossomed in her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother, where she became a guiding light and a beloved example for multiple generations.

Though our world feels a little dimmer in her absence, the profound legacy of love and kindness that Marjorie created will forever shine brightly in all those, who were fortunate enough to have known her. She leaves behind her adoring children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as countless friends who will carry her memory in their hearts, who will carry forward her gentle spirit in their own lives.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.